Cafescor

Supporting the next generation of coffee farmers

High in the hills of Copán, coffee farming has long been a way of life. But like many rural communities around the world, Copán faces a growing challenge: ensuring that the next generation sees a future for themselves in agriculture. 

For many young people, farming can feel uncertain and financially risky. Without access to training, markets or support, the temptation to leave rural areas in search of alternative work is strong. That’s why strengthening pathways for young people into sustainable agriculture is vital - not only for their communities, but for the future of coffee itself. 

This is where co-operatives like Cafescor are making a difference. Founded in 1999 by a group of 25 ambitious farmers, Cafescor was established with a clear goal: to bring the region’s high-quality coffee to international markets. Today, that vision has grown into a thriving co-operative of 688 producers, 20% of whom are women, exporting around 60% of their coffee to Europe. 

Since becoming a Shared Interest customer in 2019, Cafescor has been able to strengthen its operations and deepen its impact. Access to finance enables the co-operative to prefinance coffee contracts - ensuring farmers receive timely payment for their harvests, a critical factor in maintaining both quality and livelihoods. 

As General Manager Herminio Perdomo explains: 

“Shared Interest finance allows Cafescor to purchase coffee from producers during harvest, ensuring timely payments, improving cash flow at farm level, and supporting the long-term sustainability of farming communities. Through this support, farmers can focus on improving coffee quality, investing in their farms, and maintaining sustainable agricultural practices. 

“In addition, this financial support strengthens Cafescor's ability to access international specialty coffee markets, generating long-term economic opportunities and improving livelihoods for coffee-growing families.” 

At the heart of Cafescor’s approach is a commitment to engaging young people. In 2024, the co-operative partnered with TRIAS Central America & Caribbean, whicho supports farmer and entrepreneur organisations to strengthen inclusive, sustainable economic development and livelihoods, and USAID to launch a Youth Cupping School. This initiative equipped 21 young farmers with essential skills in coffee quality control - an increasingly important part of the specialty coffee market. By developing expertise in tasting and grading coffee, young people are gaining new, skilled roles within the sector, beyond traditional farming. 

Alongside this, Cafescor introduced an internship programme supporting 20 students nearing graduation in fields such as accounting, administration and agriculture. These placements provide practical experience and a pathway into professional roles within the co-operative and wider agricultural sector. 

For young people like 22-year-old Thania Paola Roque, these opportunities are transformative. Over the past three years, Thania has taken part in a number of Cafescor initiatives, including the Organic Agriculture School, Youth Leadership in Agriculture, the Women’s Leadership School, and exchange programmes focused on entrepreneurship and gender equity. 

“CAFESCOR has opened doors that have helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she says. “Through training programmes, leadership opportunities, and exchanges with other young people, I have gained knowledge, confidence, and new perspectives. These experiences have inspired me to continue learning and developing my own photography and event decoration businesses. They have shown me that young people can build a future in rural communities while creating new opportunities for themselves and others.” 

Alongside her work in coffee, Thania has developed her own businesses, demonstrating how young people can diversify their income and contribute to their communities while building a future in agriculture. 

Together, these initiatives are helping to bridge the generational gap - demonstrating that coffee farming today offers diverse, skilled and rewarding careers. 

Cafescor’s work extends beyond youth programmes to create an environment where young people and families can thrive. 

The co-operative delivers training to farmers on productivity, climate change adaptation and income diversification - encouraging the cultivation of vegetables and fruits alongside coffee. It also produces Organic fertilisers, creating an additional income stream while promoting sustainable farming practices. 

Protecting a precious environment

Environmental stewardship is another priority. Through a reforestation partnership, Cafescor supports tree planting and environmental education. Meanwhile, 100% of its coffee farms have been geo-referenced using technology to monitor land use and prevent deforestation. 

In recognition of its commitment to fairness and inclusion, Cafescor was awarded the “Organisation with the best approach to Human Rights, Inclusion, and Equity issues” at the 2024 Esperanza (Hope) Awards, a national awards scheme that celebrates individuals and organisations who demonstrate outstanding leadership, resilience, and impact in driving positive social, economic, or community change. 

The co-operative also works closely with partners to promote gender equality, raise awareness of child labour, and support families during the busy harvest season. In 2024, children’s camps were established within communities, providing educational activities and safe spaces for children while their parents worked. 

Cafescor’s story is a powerful example of how finance can drive meaningful, long-term change. Your investment helps ensure farmers are paid fairly and on time. It supports programmes that equip young people with skills and opportunities. And it enables co-operatives like Cafescor to invest in sustainability, equality and community wellbeing. 

BUMPER COFFEE HARVEST FOR WORST HIT REGION

General Manager of Cafescor, Herminio Perdomo, said: “Shared Interest finance allows Cafescor to continue supporting farmers with timely payments for their produce.”

We asked Hermino about the impact Covid-19 has had on the co-operative. He said: “During 2020, the general population had to respect strict travel restrictions that allowed each citizen to work only one day out of five, based on their national ID number. Therefore, staff attended the production plant on a rotation basis for some months. 

“In addition, coffee co-operatives in Honduras had to request a special working permit that allowed the operation of the production facility and the transport of some staff members to the premises. In 2021, the government has not requested this special permit anymore. 

“We have adapted our operations to continue with production plans. To date, we have gathered 90% of the forecasted volume for the ongoing cycle thanks to good planning.”