CERRADO MINEIRO, Brazil – With a focus on socio-environmental initiatives and goals for the future, the Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Cooperative (Expocacer) is launching the “Impact Initiatives 2023” report. The expectation is to raise the bar for the coming years, such as reaching 25,000 hectares of regenerative coffee by 2027, an increase of 92% compared to the current figure of around 13,000 hectares.
Expocacer launches the “Impact Initiatives 2023” report
The report shows that the cooperative reached a milestone through the generation of photovoltaic solar energy and obtained results of 143,346.71 kWh, enough to supply the entire energy demand of the administrative building and also part of other sectors.
The energy generated by the solar panels is equivalent to planting 106 trees, avoiding the emission of 77.45 tons of CO2, and not using 65.22 tons of charcoal, which is a renewable and clean energy source that does not emit pollutants.
Another part highlighted in the survey was the achievement of a circular economy. The cooperative sent 492.2 kg of old uniforms for recycling and thus managed to clear 3.68 m² of landfill.
“We are proud of our advances in environmental sustainability. We have reduced our carbon footprint, implemented smart and sustainable agricultural practices, and also promoted regenerative ideas with transparent dialogues. Those efforts reflect our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations, stimulating and inspiring transformation,” said Simão Pedro de Lima, Executive Director of Expocacer.
A study carried out by the Institute for Forest and Agricultural Management and Certification (Imaflora) on 20 coffee farms associated with the cooperative, showed that the farms keep more carbon than they emit. The institute found negative emissions of -0.2 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to one per hectare per year. This phenomenon occurs when carbon capture from the soil and plants is greater than emissions, and by analyzing the farms’ GHG emission estimates, Imaflora got to the absolute value of 15,400 tCO2e.year-1, a figure considered low.
Social
The economic development of the farms associated with Expocacer produces great results for the region, generating jobs and new opportunities for the people around each property. That is why the cooperative also invests in socio-economic actions. According to the report, in 2023, 62.5% of Expocacer’s young apprentices were hired.
“Equity in the cooperative context is a journey that leads us to a balance between valuing our intrinsic equality and a deep respect for individual differences in their unique journeys. We are building an environment where each person can thrive and contribute to the cooperative’s collective success”, said Raquel Lazzarin, Expocacer’s Director of Organizational Human Development.
The full report can be found here.
About Expocacer
Created in 1993 and located in Patrocínio/MG, the Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Cooperative (Expocacer) promotes the quality of its coffees and the work of its members in Brazil and around the world, through relevant socio-environmental initiatives and by stimulating the economy of the entire region.
The co-operative’s infrastructure includes two warehouses with capacity for over 1 million bags. It currently serves 680 producers and exports to more than 30 countries on five continents.
