COFFEE FOREST
RESTORATION
The coffee forests of El Salvador, consisting of coffee trees interspersed with shade trees in the highlands, are vital to the entire Salvadoran population. These forests serve as the most crucial water recharge areas for surrounding communities, play a key role in absorbing significant amounts of daily carbon dioxide, and provide essential habitats for a variety of wildlife species.
Conserving these coffee forests is critical for both human and wildlife well-being throughout El Salvador. Proper and mindful management is essential to restoring these forests and ensuring the continued benefits they provide to both the population and the environment.
Blue Harvest an approach led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), promotes water and soil conservation in coffee-growing regions and critical watersheds. It also supports farmers in boosting yields, improving coffee quality, and accessing high-value markets. The RENACER School trains coffee growers in these practices, while COMAR implements the Blue Harvest vision through RENACER.
LOCAL
PARTNER
COMAR CONSULTORES S.A. DE C.V. is a social enterprise that trains farmers in agronomic management, with a primary focus on coffee, using the Blue Harvest approach. The hallmark of its work is the implementation of Water Smart Agriculture practices, which increase coffee productivity and quality through technical assistance and training.
We provide this training through the Coffee Farm Managers School, RENACER, promoting effective coffee farming practices such as cover crops and green manure, comprehensive soil fertility and health management (the "4Rs" or four recommendations), contour and staggered planting, individual terraces, live and dead barriers, and other conservation techniques.
By adopting these practices, we help farms adapt to the effects of climate change, fostering resilient and sustainable coffee farming.
SUPPORT AREAS
TRAINING
Course for coffee farm administrators, barista course, and introduction to coffee quality control and cupping course.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
For small, medium, and large producers, with the aim of improving production and cup quality.
MARKETING
Strategy under the Blue Harvest approach for coffee farmers to access specialty markets and obtain better prices.