Understanding our vulnerability towards Climate Change has geared us to become a leader in regenerative practices
Sustainability at the core
Aquiares has become an international leader in environmental sustainability
As the largest Rainforest Certified Coffee Farm in Costa Rica, we are a pioneer in regenerative practices applied on a large agricultural scale
50,000 shade trees
The farm has planted native shade that acts as a buffer from climatic events, and contribute with nutrients to the shaded coffee beneath
Fair-pay & safe workplace
From the strict safety standards at the coffee mill to ensuing the proper equipment is while pruning trees, we take responsibility and feel pride for our team, our community and our coffee
River, soils & wildlife protection
We devote 25% of our land to conservation, providing a healthy home for endemic animals, plants an 127 bird species
Medical care & Education
Investing in our employees higher education, company sponsored medical programs and included childcare for seasonal workers is only part of what we do
Cafetalera Aquiares S.A. is a
CARBON NEUTRAL
company.
Aquiares started measuring its greenhouse gas emissions in 2013, and since then has developed a robust mechanism to account for the impacts of our production. We have found that fertilizers account for 30% of emissions, while decomposition of coffee pulp and water treatment are also relevant. By having this information, we have developed projects to reduce our emissions, such as using slow-release fertilizers and water efficient depulpers.
Yet this is only half of the task, as we have also measured the CO2 removals from the shade trees and forests of our farm. In 33 different plots around the farm, we measure tree diameter each year, to account for additional CO2 capture.
Since 2015, we have verified with our emissions and removals inventory with the international INTE/ISO 14064-1:2006 standard, and have continuously captured more tons of CO2 than those our operations emit.
Our Carbon Neutral Certification is verified by INTECO and recognized by the Costa Rican Government.
Rainforest Alliance Certification
As the largest Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farm in Costa Rica, Aquiares has been a pioneer in sustainability, planting more than 50,000 shade trees and effectively connecting two important wildlife corridors. Now the farm boasts 76 different native tree species and a recent inventory accounted for 127 bird species.
The farm is held up as a model of the Rainforest Alliance Certification, meeting or exceeded all of its rigorous social and environmental standards since 2003 .
​
In 2022, we participated in the development of the Rainforest Alliance's regenerative agriculture scorecard, and have been working closely with them to continue evolving the standard's reach.
Research & Innovation
Aquiares has been home to research studies for decades, starting with early sociological studies in the 1950’s. More recently, Aquiares has been the site for several ongoing environmental research projects.
In 2007, the farm was among the very first to try to calculate its carbon balance. Today, Aquiares is the main test plot for an ongoing project between the CIRAD Institute from France and CATIE University from Costa Rica. The “Carbon-Flux project” measures greenhouse gas exchange between the farm plot and the atmosphere over long-time horizons.
This research station is the only one of its kind in the world, capable of accurately measuring the emission-sequestration balance of a hectare of shaded coffee. With this tool, the researchers are trying to develop a model that can be used by coffee farms around the world to estimate their own carbon sequestration potential. This project is part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change research efforts. Additionally, we have a "variety garden" of 10 hectares contains more than 30 different coffee varieties. This is used for experimentation in cooperation with CATIE and ICafé to investigate new coffee varieties that may have higher yields, better cup quality and improved pest resistance.
Education
In 2013, Aquiares begin a partnership program with Cornell University. The goal is to provide an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain some practice field experience on the farm.
Since then, the interns have already helped shape the farm’s agricultural strategy and community relations. In a recent project, a Cornell intern studied the community and noticed increasing levels of type 2 diabetes in the community. Following that research, it was concluded that diet remained an issue for the community and another intern planned and developed a community organic vegetable garden. The farm donated land for the garden and now a group of local women run the garden as a small business. The relationship with Cornell University has proven to be a win-win. Students are able to immerse themselves in the world of coffee production, and the farm is able to absorb modern knowledge from bright, young students.
Would you like to become an intern or partner?
Aquiares has a proud history of hosting researchers in a diverse group of academic fields - if you are interested in working with us, please reach out