Investments in Productivity

In 2023, members of the APAE Machu Picchu coffee co-op voted to strategically deploy their Community Development Funds in a range of projects with a focus on productivity, coffee quality, and sustainability. Top priorities included improving productivity through soil health, organic fertilizer, compost systems, and technical training for farmers. Premiums also supported participation in fair trade and other certifications, providing much-needed resources to help farmers achieve a high level of compliance in these programs. In 2024, over $145,000 USD in Community Development Funds were distributed directly to smallholder farmers as cash incentives tied to coffee deliveries, providing major financial relief to families. Together, these investments reflect a holistic approach to supporting smallholder coffee farmers, both as producers and as stewards of the land and critical partners in global coffee supply chains.