Who is involved in the shade tree project in Peru and Honduras?
In Peru, a total of 1,958 coffee farmers are participating in the shade tree project, and in Honduras, there are 1,738. A quarter of them are women.
Can I choose which tree is planted?
The final selection of tree species is made jointly by the technical teams of the cooperatives and the team from CLAC involved in the shade tree project. The selection is based on analyses that outline the current shade situation on the coffee farms of the cooperatives.
Key criteria for selection include:
1) Preservation of biodiversity
2) Ecosystem resilience
3) Environmental impact
4) Economic viability
5) Local availability and access
6) Preferences of the coffee farmers
7) Compliance with national laws
So far, the cooperatives have identified the following tree species as interesting based on their expertise, local knowledge, and previous experiences: Tornillo, Cedar, Laurel, Cedrillo, Pine, Erythrina, Grevillea, Inga, Mahogany, Walnut, Eucalyptus, and fruit trees (mainly citrus fruits).
How densely are shade trees planted?
When assessing the current shade situation on the coffee farms, the ideal shade density and corresponding planting density are also determined.
The optimal planting density varies depending on altitude, tree species, and other factors. Typically, about 70 to 156 plants are planted per hectare.
Why own nurseries?
A large portion of the shade trees planted come from purpose-built nurseries. To this end, five cooperatives have established their own nurseries. In the long term, nurseries are the most cost-effective way to produce seedlings and young plants. Additionally, they help preserve native species that are of interest to the cooperatives. They also avoid complications associated with transporting plants from other areas due to poor road conditions.
When are the seedlings planted?
The planting periods in Honduras are from May to October, and in Peru from November to May. These periods may vary and depend on the rainy season. The first planting period in Honduras was from July to October 2024.
How are the seedlings planted?
In the first six months, most of the seedlings grow in nurseries. The planting work is then carried out during the planting seasons by the coffee growers, who are supported and guided by the technical teams of the cooperatives.
When can a seedling provide shade?
The growth time of tree species until they provide sufficient shade varies depending on the species, climate, and care. In general, there are shade trees that can provide significant shade within three to five years.