Honduras
''Create a professional, efficient and responsible coffee supply chain''
Introduction
Coffee exporter Sogimex (ECOM group) has developed ''Alianza par la sostenibilidad'' through which it carries out projects with small-scale producers. Due to the success of Alianza in making producers more competitive, quality oriented and certified by UTZ Certified, many producers are interested in participating. As Sogimex has limited resources, they have developed this joint project with the DE Foundation to include a total of 750 more producers. Groups of small-scale producers are trained together in good agricultural practices, certification requirements and the way the international coffee market works. In addition, the project works on improved access to inputs like fertilizers and credit. Initially, the project collaborated with the Procaso network; an initiative developed by Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers (SNV) and Solidaridad, two Dutch non-governmental organizations to develop common training materials and trainings. For various reasons this collaboration was paired down after some time and then discontinued. The Alianza continues to operate through its own networks.
Focus of the project
To help create a more professional, efficient and responsible coffee supply chain.
Activities
- Certification of UTZ Certified through technical assistance
- Helping producer groups become more efficient in marketing and selling their coffee
- Helping farmers manage risk regarding the price for their coffee, through hedging on the future contracts
- Developing and implementing credit systems.
Results
Initial results show that participating producers have improved much compared to before they entered the project and compared to non-project participants, with higher productivity and more efficient use of fertilizers. A notable change, that contributes significantly to improved productivity is the fact that farmers are regularly pruning. Not just once under influence of project training, but as an integrated part of their crop management. Most participating producers have received their UTZ Certified certificate and Sogimex is using the groups to introduce further certification schemes to producers which can help to expand their markets.
Partners
Sogimex/Alianza de sostenibilidad
Contact information
Daniel Gerber: dgerber@ecomtrading.com
Victor Navas: vnavas@ecomtrading.com
Map of the region
Details
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Small coffee producers and UTZ CERTIFIED professionalising the supply chain in Honduras |
|
| Location |
Various coffee production areas in the North of Honduras |
| Products |
Arabica coffee |
| Duration |
2008 - 2013 |
| Elevation |
- |
| Project farms |
Starting with 150 producers, 150 producers added every year in the scope of the project, up to 750 producers by the end of the project. |
| Average farm size |
2.1ha (3Mz) |
Results so far
- Efficiency is improving
- Yields are increasing as a result of better crop management
- Farmers have better access to credit
- 450 producers are UTZ Certified
Our methods and philosophy
The DE Foundation works to further sustainability in mainstream coffee and tea, working in particular with small-scale producers. In 3-5 years projects we work to improve the quality of their produce, support the implementation of sustainable practices and create market access with better prices.
About DE Foundation
The DE Foundation was established by Sara Lee in 2002 as an independent foundation.The Board comprises of 5 members, all of whom have a passion for sustainability.