Sustainability
9°40'53"N 84°0'23"W
⚲ West Valley, Costa Rica
Ecology, Economy, Equity
We recognize that sustainable operations across all our farms and logistical networks play a major role in achieving our purpose to preserve and protect large areas of Costa Rica’s coffee landscapes for future generations.
Mission:
Delighting everyone in the world with the best coffee nature can provide, enhanced by the best technologies and sustainable practices and the beauty of art.
Vision:
Cultiva wants to be the reference point of coffee culture and excellence around the world. An innovative company that offers the best products and places of consumption and, thanks to this, grows and becomes a leader in the specialty coffee sector.
Values:
Ethics: long-term value creation through sustainability, transparency, respect of human rights and personal development. Excellence: love for beauty and goodness.
At Cultiva, sustainability is where care for the environment, our people, and a purposeful business unite to support our commitment to preserving and protecting Costa Rica’s coffee landscapes for future generations.
Over the past decade, our dedicated commitment to sustainable coffee production has been at the forefront of our operations in Costa Rica's rich coffee-growing regions. We've cultivated strong partnerships with local farms and cooperatives, focusing on eco-friendly practices that not only preserve the natural landscape and biodiversity of the area but also improve economic independence among the communities we work with.
In an effort to solidify our contribution to the global coffee community, we established the Cultiva Sustainability Initiative (CSI). This initiative invites coffee enthusiasts and professionals who align with our vision to join us in promoting a sustainable future for coffee cultivation. Through this program, we engage in long-term projects aimed at improving farming practices, supporting local farmers with education and resources, and implementing environmentally conscious techniques that ensure the health of the land and the prosperity of its people. Our goal is not just to maintain, but to enrich the land that yields our world-class coffee, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Understanding Agroecology in Coffee Cultivation
Our approach is rooted in agroecology, which integrates the principles of biodiversity, resource recycling, and ecological balance into coffee farming. We promote systems where coffee is grown under native shade trees, supporting a diverse ecosystem that not only enhances the quality of the soil but also supports a wide range of wildlife. This biodiversity is crucial, as it naturally controls pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Sustainable Resource Management
Water conservation is another pillar of our ecological strategy. Coffee processing can be water-intensive, but at Cultiva, we employ water-saving technologies and methods that significantly reduce consumption. Soil health is equally vital; we implement organic practices that replenish and maintain soil nutrients without synthetic fertilizers, preserving land fertility for future generations.
Adapting to Climate Change
Our ongoing research into climate resilience informs our selection of coffee varietals that are adapted to changing climate conditions. We focus on drought-resistant and disease-tolerant plants that thrive in the altered rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations currently impacting Central America.
Promoting Biodiversity
Cultiva’s farms are biodiversity hotspots that provide refuge to many native species. By preserving the natural habitats within our coffee plantations, we ensure that our farms are not just producing coffee but are also conserving the environment. This biodiversity is not just good ecology—it’s good business, as healthier ecosystems lead to healthier coffee plants.
9°41'42"N 84°03'25"W
Tarrazu, Costa Rica
9°42'31"N 84°02'31"W
Tarrazu, Costa Rica
Profitable Practices in Sustainable Coffee
Economic sustainability in coffee production means implementing practices that ensure a stable income for coffee farmers, fair pricing strategies that reflect the true cost of sustainable production, and investment in the local communities that cultivate coffee. It involves supporting a fair trade model where farmers receive a fair share of profits, which in turn enables them to invest back into their farms and communities.
Creating Viable Economic Models
At Cultiva, we strive to build an economic model where sustainability efforts are also economically viable. This includes helping farmers to improve their agricultural practices, which leads to better yield and higher quality coffee. By doing so, they can command higher prices in the market. We also invest in farmer education and infrastructure to increase productivity and reduce waste, which directly contributes to greater economic stability.
Investing in the Future
A critical component of economic sustainability is considering the long-term impacts of today's practices. This includes setting aside funds for reforestation and land conservation efforts, which are essential for the future of coffee farming. Protecting these resources ensures that future generations will also have the necessary environment to continue coffee production.
Future Generations
When considering future generations, our focus extends to creating educational opportunities for the children of coffee farmers. By investing in education, we help uplift entire communities, providing them with the tools to diversify their income and improve their living standards. Education leads to better opportunities, helping break the cycle of poverty often seen in coffee-growing regions.
This approach not only secures a better future for the children of today but also ensures the sustainability of the coffee industry for tomorrow. These young individuals are the future caretakers of coffee agriculture, and by equipping them with knowledge and skills, we nurture a new generation of farmers who value sustainable practices and innovation.
Equity in the Coffee Industry
Equity in coffee production means creating a fair and inclusive environment that recognizes the rights and contributions of everyone in the coffee value chain. This involves implementing fair labor practices, supporting gender equality, and engaging with local communities in a way that respects their culture and traditions.
Ensuring Fair Trade Practices
At Cultiva, we are committed to supporting fair trade practices that ensure farmers receive a fair price for their coffee. This not only helps them cover their production costs but also enables them to invest in better agricultural practices and improve their living standards. By purchasing coffee at fair trade prices, we help create a more equitable supply chain that benefits producers and consumers alike.
Promoting Gender Equality
We also focus on promoting gender equality by supporting initiatives that empower women in the coffee industry. This includes providing training and resources to women farmers and encouraging their participation in leadership roles within their communities. Gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a crucial factor in the economic development of coffee-producing areas.
Engagement with Local Communities
True equity involves engaging with local communities to ensure they benefit directly from coffee production. This includes investing in community projects such as schools, health care facilities, and clean water initiatives. It also means respecting the land rights of local communities and ensuring they have a say in how their resources are used.
9°31'34"N 84°01'12"W
Perez Zeledon , Costa Rica