SAN JUAN — The Hispanic Federation, in partnership with World Coffee Research, Puerto Rico Coffee Roasters and Nespresso, announced a “renewed goal” in the coffee sector revitalization efforts in Puerto Rico.
The organizations made a commitment to provide local farmers an additional 2.25 million coffee trees to plant on the island’s farms over the next three years.
After hurricanes Irma and Maria destroyed 80 percent of the island’s coffee trees and harvest, the crop was virtually gone, explains a press release by the federation, which was founded and presided by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s father, Luis.
“Through our partnership with Nespresso and other committed and vital institutions, we are working to help coffee farmers restore their crops and lands,” said Hispanic Federation President José Calderón. “This multi-year collaborative effort has the power to transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the future of local communities, all the while revitalizing a fundamental sector of Puerto Rico’s economy.”
To date, Hispanic Federation has committed more than $30 million to more than 116 local initiatives and non-profit organizations leading a recovery effort addressing sustainable agriculture and food security, housing and community development, local workforce and economic development, renewable energy and environment, physical and mental health, arts and culture, education, and emergency relief.
Nespresso has made an initial investment of $1 million and 50,000 trees. The brand has been working directly with farmers since late 2018. It launched Monday its first-ever Puerto Rican coffee – Cafecito de Puerto Rico – “a limited edition, extremely rare coffee available exclusively in the U.S.A, and Puerto Rico,” according to the release.
