My LAVAZZA
COFFEE AS A MEGAPHONE OF PEACE
This is a multi-year project that shows how sustainable development programs not only enhance the socio-economic conditions of farmers, but also contribute to consolidating peaceful living conditions in areas affected by conflict. This is the case of Meta, in Colombia, an isolated rural department that over the years has suffered the violence of the civil war and the spread of illegal cultivation, but which enjoyed an ancient coffee tradition. Here since 2015 the "Coffee as a megaphone of peace" project has promoted and implemented the production of high-quality coffee, allowing farmers in the region to find a way to be reborn.
The objective is to support the development of good agricultural practices, by training local communities on new techniques and providing the opportunity to plant over 1 million new coffee plants and 95,000 trees for shade.
900 beneficiaries have been reached of which 300 women producers, in addition 93% of coffee farms involved have been certified by Rainforest Alliance (i.e. produced according to certain social and environmental sustainability criteria).
Additionally, certified agroforestry systems have been implemented to reduce emissions by preventing deforestation.
Regarding this project, the 2020 documentary "Coffee Defenders: A Path from Coca to Coffee" was produced. It narrates the true story of Johanna, who lost everything during the conflict but managed to secure a future for herself and her children through coffee farming.
