Antonio José Menezes, Brazil | Natural

Established in 1961, the COCATREL cooperative is situated in Três Pontas, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. As a preeminent grower of coffee, the cooperative has spearheaded initiatives centred on ecologically responsible agriculture. By furnishing instruction and technical support on matters such as water conservation, soil stewardship, and pest regulation to its over 8,000 constituent farmers. COCATREL has instituted programs to further environmental sustainability while ensuring socially accountable and sustainable coffee cultivation. Moreover, COCATREL aims to empower female coffee producers. Through specialized programs that champion gender parity, COCATREL offers training and technical assistance to women farmers, enabling them to assume leadership roles within the cooperative and make meaningful contributions to the prosperity of their farms. Additionally, by providing access to credit, marketing channels, and technical expertise, COCATREL enables its members to augment productivity and profitability, thereby promoting the sustainable development of their communities. COCATREL has also pioneered a micro-lot initiative that permits farmers to separate and sell small batches of exceptionally high-grade coffee. This program has assisted farmers in garnering premium prices, motivating them to invest in quality and sustainability, all of which lead to improved livelihoods for farmers across the region.