The Project: Finca Irlanda is a 320-hectare family farm located in the Sierra Madre region of Chiapas, Mexico, established in 1928. Finca Irlanda has been a pioneer in biodynamic farming, having received the first such certification for coffee in the world in 1967. Since then, the company has received numerous awards and certifications, including Rainforest Alliance certification, Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification, and in 2004, the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe’s Award for Coffee Excellence.

The Deal: In October 2005, Verde Ventures provided Finca Irlanda with $300,000 for working capital, implementation of a water conservation program for coffee production, and the establishment of indigenous tree nurseries.

The Benefit to Conservation: Finca Irlanda maintains remnants of intact forest in strategic sites and reforests buffer areas to improve watershed management and protection of the two rivers and eight springs within this important corridor. The investment in Finca Irlanda will directly contribute to the conservation of this portion of the Mesoamerica biodiversity hotspot and the protection of 240 bird species, 64 species of mammals, and 70 tree species (including 40 endemic species) that are found on the farm.