NICARAGUA
Mercon Coffee Group has established a $450 million sustainability-linked revolving line of credit with Rabobank, a first in commodity trading in the US. Pricing is linked to key coffee-only sustainability initiatives measured by performance indicators.
Mercon said its long-term purpose is to build a better coffee world. The company has successfully expanded its sourcing channels primarily by developing its own sustainability production program called LIFT.
The LIFT program, which was first implemented in Nicaragua for coffee farmers, is an integrated system of service tools including: training and technical assistance on best agricultural practices, farm business management, climate-smart agriculture, best socio-environmental practices in alignment with the Rainforest Alliance|UTZ, support renovation, access to capital and financial risk management and community development.
Through LIFT, farmers also contribute to the mission of the Seeds for Progress Foundation to promote quality education in coffee growing communities.
“This new partnership will allow us to advance in some of the most relevant sustainability areas which benefit farmers where they needed the most,” said Juan Pablo Ibarra, Mercon c.o.o. Learn more: merconcoffeegroup.com