Harvesting Coffee and Carbon: A New Chapter in Sustainable Coffee Production
In an inspiring move toward sustainability, EFICO, in partnership with Aldea Coffee and Acorn/Rabobank, has introduced an innovative agroforestry initiative in Nicaragua, empowering smallholder coffee farmers to combine coffee cultivation with carbon sequestration. This program not only enhances environmental resilience but also creates new economic opportunities through the voluntary carbon market.
Agroforestry: A Path to Resilience and Biodiversity
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating tree planting into agricultural systems, has become a cornerstone for sustainable coffee production. In regions like Jinotega and Matagalpa, Nicaragua, Aldea Coffee’s smallholder farmers are transforming their traditional practices. By adopting agroforestry systems, these farmers boost soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve their crop productivity while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
This approach does more than protect the environment; it creates a diversified income stream for farmers. Trees act as carbon sinks, capturing greenhouse gases and enabling farmers to earn carbon credits, which are then sold in the voluntary carbon market.
Voluntary Carbon Markets: Economic Opportunities for Farmers
The voluntary carbon market (VCM) serves as a decentralized platform where entities can trade carbon credits, representing measurable greenhouse gas reductions. Certified under stringent standards like Plan Vivo, Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard, and The Gold Standard, these credits ensure transparency and accountability.
For smallholder coffee farmers, participating in VCMs means transforming environmental stewardship into financial gain. Aldea Coffee, supported by EFICO and Acorn/Rabobank, provides the infrastructure and resources needed for farmers to generate and sell these credits, creating a win-win scenario that supports livelihoods and global climate action.
EFICO’s Commitment to Sustainable Coffee
EFICO’s partnership with Aldea Coffee spans decades, focusing on responsibly sourced green coffee and farmer empowerment. Together, with Acorn/Rabobank, they’ve initiated the “Nicaragua Forest Positive Coffee” project, which integrates coffee cultivation with tree planting. This initiative directly supports smallholder farmers, ensuring that 80% of carbon credit sales revenue goes back to the farming communities, fostering economic stability.
For every four bags of this sustainably produced coffee sold, EFICO commits to purchasing one Plan Vivo-certified carbon credit, further supporting regenerative practices and carbon neutrality efforts. Orders exceeding 20 bags come with additional credits donated to buyers, enabling them to claim direct contributions to sustainability.
The Nicaragua Forest Positive Coffee
Grown in the volcanic soils of Jinotega and Matagalpa, this exceptional Arabica coffee features varieties such as Caturra, Catimor, and Catuai. Handpicked over multiple rounds, traditionally washed, and sun-dried, the coffee boasts a vibrant acidity, subtle flavors, and a delightful sweetness, making it a sought-after choice for connoisseurs.
Driving Change, One Cup at a Time
This agroforestry initiative reflects EFICO’s vision of going “beyond offsetting.” By focusing on carbon insetting—improving emissions reductions within the coffee value chain—they set a benchmark for corporate sustainability.
This project not only addresses carbon neutrality goals but also uplifts coffee communities, aligning ecological preservation with economic development. As EFICO aptly puts it, “Together, we can help smallholder farmers thrive, protect the environment, and work toward a carbon-neutral future—one cup at a time.”
For those committed to sustainable coffee practices, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to support smallholder farmers while contributing to a greener planet.