MADISON, Wis – Haiti was once an island of splendid rain forests and fertile plains; today, this small nation’s tree coverage is less than 5%. Initially, forests were pillaged for their beautiful wood – to pay off foreign debt – mostly to France. Since then, forests became a source of fuel and jobs.
Reforestation is vital for Haiti’s future. According to Singing Rooster‘s co-founder Molly Nicaise, “Coffee trees are the perfect plants to reforest this environmentally devastated country.
They provide greater sources of income for incredibly impoverished people and hold delicate mountain soil in place. Because trees provide earnings, they won’t be cut down. It’s a win-win.”
Farmers have already raised $4,000 from roasted coffee sale proceeds to build their nursery. They need an additional $4,000 to complete the project.
The $8000 will produce 32,000 trees with these benefits across a 20-year period – the productive lifespan of a coffee tree:
- over 640,000 pounds of coffee
- over $2,200,000 in farmer income
- soil stability, which improves watersheds & water availability
- protection of taller, old-growth trees and the birds that live in them (coffee shrubs thrive in the shade of taller trees)
Cecil Debois, a 5th generation farmer from the Artibonite, explains, “Haitians have been growing coffee for 250+ years; it’s a part of our culture, heritage.
Coffee agriculture in Haiti supports tens of thousands of jobs. Farmers want meaningful employment – not handouts. Coffee does this.”
To donate to the coffee seedling nursery project or to learn about Singing Rooster’s role in supporting Haitian farmers, visit: www.singingrooster.org.
Singing Rooster is a registered 501 (c)3 nonprofit and established coffee roasting company. They provide on-the ground assistance and direct market access for the sake of self- sustainability, dignity & economic autonomy. They meet then EXCEED principles of fair trade. They return 100% of proceeds of coffee sales back to farmers and their communities for continued economic development.
