BOGOTÁ, Colombia – The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC), in collaboration with Starbucks Coffee Company, has successfully concluded the Fincas C.A.F.E. Practices Más Productivas project. First announced in November 2020 and expanded in April 2022, this initiative funded the distribution of 55.7 million coffee seedlings of rust- and coffee berry disease-resistant varieties, significantly contributing to the renovation of Colombian coffee plots with a total Starbucks investment of USD 7.2 million over a four-year period.
The Fincas C.A.F.E. Practices Más Productivas project has benefited over 17,000 coffee growers across 17 departments, supporting the renewal of 7,200 hectares of resistant coffee varieties nationwide and helping increase the productivity and profitability of their farms. This effort represents a lasting legacy of sustainability and climate resilience, ensuring benefits for generations to come.
Germán Bahamón, General Manager of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, emphasized that this joint project has enabled coffee growers in 17 departments to enhance the sustainability of their farms with resistant varieties. He stated, “By guaranteeing access to high-quality, traceable plant material, we provide a vital resource to combat climate change, improve long-term productivity, and ensure a sustainable future for coffee.”
“At Starbucks, we strive to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all—one that empowers farmers, nurtures communities, and protects the environment. We are dedicated to helping farmers by building their climate resiliency and increasing productivity and profitability, so that generations to come can continue to experience the joy and connection that coffee brings to the world, creating a lasting impact on the people and places where it’s grown,” added Roberto Vega, Starbucks vice president of Global Coffee Agronomy, R&D and Sustainability.
In addition to donating resilient coffee seedlings to farmers, the project also provided them with free fertilizer to support growth during the early stages of the plants’ development. This project element proved itself especially valuable and critical from 2022 onwards when fertilizer prices soared globally due to geo-political developments. The free fertilizer incentivized farmers to continue renovating their coffee farms under challenging circumstances which would ultimately protect and boost their long-term productivity.
The collective commitment and joint efforts of all stakeholders were essential to the success of this initiative. Their strategic participation was crucial in providing Colombian coffee growers with the support needed to execute every stage of the project to the highest quality standards.
Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Manizales, Colombia – which opened in 2012 to provide farmers with access to resources and training – underscored the importance of rigorous monitoring throughout the project’s execution. Additionally, it encouraged the participation of 12 Starbucks exporters and suppliers, who played a fundamental role in the project’s success. Their dedication and commitment were key to achieving the results we celebrate today.
