Working with Cafédirect:
COOCAFÉ was founded in 1988 from the union of nine small coffee cooperatives seeking direct access to international markets and better prices for their products. The organisation’s aim is to promote social and economic development and environmentally sustainable coffee production that meets the quality demands of customers while also serving the needs of members.
Through the PPP, Cafédirect is working with COOCAFÉ to reach this aim. The PPP provides training to members in areas such as marketing or quality control. Financial loans are also provided for the purchase of seeds, nurseries and for personal credits.
Costa Rica contains almost 5% of the world’s flora and fauna, and to protect this, COOCAFÉ has invested in several projects and initiatives.
For example, on its coffee farms, COOCAFÉ seeks to promote the use of shade trees. By maintaining a natural shade canopy, farmers add natural nutrients to the soil, reduce the use of chemicals and create a safe environment for local wildlife, especially species of native and migratory birds.
The PPP provides support with organic certification, and also equipment to produce organic fertiliser from coffee pulping, which as well as producing great coffees is better for the natural environment.
