Costa Rica Rio Negro Natural

Highlights

“Hacienda Rio Negro was the first farm in Costa Rica to receive Rainforest Alliance certification, in 2001. Its 1,813 acres include 815 acres of protected natural forest and more than 90 acres of reforestation, with native shade trees planted amongst the coffee to regulate temperature and water. The mill runs on a hydroelectric generator and burns coffee parchment as biomass fuel instead of wood. Rio Negro employs around 50 full-time workers and supports them with housing, clean spring water, savings and low-cost loan programmes, an on-site medical clinic and daycare, and supplies and uniforms for the local school.”