Impacts

4,171 Producers with access to forward sales

Crop renewal and diversification

Supply pest- and diseaseresistant coffee plants (Arabica and Robusta) to yield better results. We also supply vegetables and forest species.

5.1M Plants sold

780,920 60 kg bags of certified coffee

6,011 Certified

+1,600 Ha Renewed producers

70 Certified organic producers

We are proud of the relationships we have forged with our producers and of our commitment to build a better coffee world together. Our future is full of challenges, and we have a long way to go, but that is why we are working to make our supply chain 100% sustainable by 2030.

Luis Chamorro, Origin Director

This goal poses an important challenge: how to implement a consistent, cross-cutting strategy across our origins. To that end, we have made progress in defining a roadmap and creating the Mercon Producer’s Code of Conduct.

Constant dialogue and communication with our producers is essential to maintaining a longterm relationship of trust that is allowing us to grow together. During the 20-21 harvest we launched “My Voice”, a secure and confidential channel for our producers and other stakeholders to make suggestions, submit grievances, share ideas, and/or file complaints. Similarly, in Nicaragua we opened two new channels: CISA TV and CISA WhatsApp.

We reaffirm our commitment to producers through their stories and experiences: will all be happy when we build a better coffee world, because that is what we all want—success to enjoy our profits from the coffee sector and to live a better life… equitable, and sustainable communities

At Mercon, we firmly believe that winning enterprises flourish in successful environments and partnerships. By providing a number of key services to producers, we help to improve not only their productivity and well-being, but also that of their communities, thereby working to consistently foster thriving, equitable, and sustainable communities.

In this framework, empowering women is essential to attaining a circle of prosperity for all, and represents a source of income improvement and stability that drives sustainable development.

1. Gender equity diagnosis at the coffee sector. Prepared by Conservation International, it gives us an overview and recommendations.

2. Strenghtening awareness and understanding of the gender equality, diversity, and inclusion at the management level with the support of IFC.

3. Defining our baseline and identifying industry best practices.

4. Developing a roadmap to set the direction and focus in Mercon’s 2021-2025 strategy.

452 Female LIFT producers

11% Of our financing granted to women

Up to + 14% more productivity on farms managed by women

90% of our LIFT producers in Nicaragua consider that access to the services we provide is given under equal conditions for men and women.

Brenda: Strong and resilient like coffee

As a mother of two, I had to juggle my time between work and family. I was never trained in how to grow coffee, but I chose to accept the challenge.

When I look back and see the challenges I have overcome, I feel a sense of pride. My goal is to be an example for my children and for other women in my community.

Brenda Samayoa of Guatemala is the proud owner of Casa de Adobe farm located in the community of Tontoles, in Esquipulas, Chiquimula. After her husband emigrated in search of economic opportunity, Brenda assumed the responsibility of managing the family farm and of getting involved in coffee, a sector traditionally dominated by men.

In 2018, after hearing about LIFT— Mercon’s sustainability platform— from other producers, she chose to join and became part of the first generation of LIFT producers in her community. Since then, Brenda has shown a keen desire to continue learning about coffee. Brenda has implemented the best practices recommended by technicians for better crop management, including soil analysis, nutrition plans, organic pest control, integrated weed management, among others. As a result, she has seen a 17% increase in yields. Moreover, she was able to establish 1 hectare with the Sarchimor variety, which will go into production next year, thereby ensuring her farm’s future.