Coffee farmers in Nicaragua receive COVID-19 support

The Seeds for Progress Foundation and Mercon Coffee Group joined efforts to mitigate the impact of coronavirus in the most vulnerable coffee growing regions of Nicaragua during the 2020-2021 harvest. This is possible thanks to a €100,000 (about US$117,000) relief fund that has been allocated to them by the Dutch Development Bank (FMO).

This relief fund will have a direct impact on more than 4000 coffee farmers and their families nationwide. The fund will be invested on three fundamental elements: communication and awareness, education, and the supply of prevention kits to ensure that farmers have all the necessary tools for the harvest.

“Coffee producers are agents of change who have always been at the forefront of the progress of their communities. We are proud of their work and of being able to develop alliances that contribute to the wellbeing of their families. We are honoured to channel these funds and give back to the communities that give the world so much” says Rosa Rivas, Director of Seeds for Progress Foundation.

These efforts will start during the month of July and conclude in September as the coffee harvest begins. All communication and awareness efforts will focus on providing vital information to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the harvest, including supplying informational materials to place on the farms and providing hygiene kits along with portable sinks in production areas.

“Caring for our communities is part of our purpose to build a better world of coffee. In the midst of the global crisis we are experiencing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is our duty to take concrete measures to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the well-being of our beloved coffee-growing communities as the new harvest approaches.” says Jorge Eslaquit, Regional Manager of Mercon Coffee Group.

The Seeds for Progress Foundation, together with Mercon Coffee Group, promote access to quality education in coffee communities as one of the most powerful instruments to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life of its beneficiaries.