‘Pacote Agronômico’ initiative targets sustainable practices on Brazilian coffee farms
Nespresso announced an investment of R$ 5 million in its new initiative, the Pacote Agronômico, aimed at implementing regenerative farming practices on Brazilian coffee farms that supply the multinational. This funding will be allocated during the 2024/25 harvest season, according to a company statement.
Testing Regenerative Practices
The project will begin with pilot tests on designated plots within partner farms. “We will support producers in testing new regenerative practices on one section of their farm. Over three years, Nespresso will conduct soil analyses to track progress and validate benefits in cost and productivity,” explained Daniel Motyl, Nespresso’s regional Green Coffee Manager in Brazil.
The goal is to maintain high-quality coffee production while enhancing the farms’ resilience against environmental, soil, and economic challenges.
Regenerative Practices
The initiative will directly impact 130 farms participating in the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program. Key practices promoted by the Pacote Agronômico include:
- Organic fertilizers
- Biological inputs
- Cover crops
- Biochar, a charcoal derived from biomass heated without oxygen, used to improve soil water retention and nutrient availability while reducing carbon emissions.
Currently, 14 farms have implemented biochar in their regenerative plots, applying 100 tons of the material and capturing an estimated 150 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Monitoring Sustainability and Human Rights
The program will also oversee working conditions on coffee farms to ensure dignified labor practices. Nespresso employs a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Training and verification
- Certification support
- Analytical tools
The initiative is supported by a team of 22 consultants, eight of whom specialize in human rights.
Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program
Launched in 2003 in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, the AAA program has expanded from 300 farmers in Costa Rica to over 150,000 producers across 18 countries, covering more than 345,000 hectares of sustainably managed land.
Globally, 94% of Nespresso’s green coffee comes from the AAA program, with 85% grown using regenerative practices.
In Brazil, Nespresso works with over 900 certified farms, making the country its largest supplier of green coffee, accounting for 25% of the company’s global volume.
Economic and Environmental Gains
Nespresso emphasizes its commitment to paying premium prices for high-quality coffee produced under the AAA program. This approach aims to:
- Boost farmers’ incomes alongside productivity growth.
- Protect environmental and social resources for a sustainable future.
