Agroforestry and circular economy

But we're going beyond fair trade and organic certifications, because we want to, and because we know it's also in our own long-term interest. Every year we're focusing more on regenerative agriculture.

In 2019 and 2020, we planted 15,000 saplings to increase shade, retain water, attract birds, combat erosion, and substantially reduce our carbon footprint. By the end of 2023, we had already planted 45,000!

We are also diversifying to reduce our reliance on a single crop: some of the trees are citrus and avocado, both for our own consumption and for sale on the domestic market. The Neumann Foundation has been invaluable in supporting our efforts to transition to agroforestry, and in 2024 we launched a "plant a tree" program with our Danish roasting partner, Clever Coffee.

A year earlier, we signed an agreement with Solidaridad and Acorn in the Netherlands to participate in a CO2 offsetting program. Around 60 of our partners met the requirements and will receive a small financial compensation for the trees they have planted on their farms over a period of twenty years.

We also organize workshops for our members to implement best practices on each farm: soil conservation, water management, and erosion control using native plants. We also teach new techniques, such as plant spacing and biological pest control.

Several of our members have started beekeeping operations to improve pollination on their farms, but also to rent the hives to other producers and, of course, to produce delicious 100% natural honey for their own consumption and to generate additional income.

And every year, more of our members start using the pulp from their beans as natural fertilizer for plants. It's free, healthy, effective, and doesn't pollute. We also sell some of the pulp for teas and infusions.