Coffee Deliveries That Sustain Cooperatives

Coffee farming families in San Juan del Río Coco, Nicaragua, depend on the annual harvest not only to generate income, but also to sustain the operations of their cooperative throughout the year. For PROCAFE, maintaining stable coffee deliveries from members is essential to fulfill export commitments, maintain customer relationships, and keep the cooperative financially strong in a competitive market where intermediaries often offer immediate cash payments. Fair Trade Premium funds are an important tool for the cooperative to respond to those pressures while continuing to invest in member priorities identified through the General Assembly. Using the premium generated during the 2024 to 2025 harvest season, PROCAFE invested $390,680 USD into projects focused on income stability, farm productivity, and social support. The cooperative dedicated $275,260 USD from its Community Development Funds to offer a direct differential payment to 140 members. This provided an extra $14 USD per quintal of green coffee. The additional payment encouraged producers to sell through the cooperative, allowing PROCAFE to secure key orders and meet sales goals. Members also approved $98,300 USD to boost coffee productivity and quality, which equated to $5 USD of support per quintal delivered. Producers used these valuable resources to upgrade coffee plots, build nurseries, improve processing facilities, and buy tools, equipment, and fertilizers for long term farm management. Furthermore, PROCAFE maintained a vital social support fund, investing $17,120 USD to address urgent household needs among members and their families. This fund paid for prescribed medications, supplies for ultrasound equipment, and essential food and hygiene packages for 165 beneficiaries. Additionally, the Internal Control System team carefully monitored the Fair Trade Premium plan. They verified that all premium usage followed the strict rules set by the General Assembly. Along the way, the team provided helpful technical assistance, guided farm record keeping, and delivered certification support across all member farms.