The Project: Finca Arroyo Negro is a coffee estate in Chiapas, Mexico, that has participated in CI’s Conservation Coffee™ project since 2004. The estate produces and commercializes specialty shade-grown coffee and has been a participant in Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices program since 2005.

The Deal: In 2006, Finca Arroyo Negro received an investment of $200,000 from Verde Ventures for working capital and expenses related to the implementation of C.A.F.E. Practices.

The Benefit to Conservation: Finca Arroyo Negro, a 400-hectare coffee estate, is located in the El Triunfo buffer zone in Chiapas, Mexico, within the Mesoamerica biodiversity hotspot. Finca Arroya Negro has set aside for conservation 200 hectares of primary forest that is contained within the coffee estate and serves as habitat for the Endangered Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii). By following Starbucks’ C.A.F.E. Practices, Finca Arroyo Negro commits to sustainable coffee cultivation and processing practices, in addition to environmental leadership and economic accountability. The estate permanently employs 15 people and hires 150 additional employees during harvest season.

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