Adopting tools like the CFT not only facilitates data-driven decision-making, but also supports contributions to global mitigation efforts.
The Cracking the Nut conference, held from October 7-10 in Abuja, Nigeria, provided a valuable platform for showcasing Catholic Relief Services’ Blue Harvest Regenerative program financed by Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP). CRS’ Oscar Fuentes and Olaf Westermann shared insights on how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be mitigated through regenerative coffee farming practices by introducing the Cool Farm Tool (CFT), an innovative tool for measuring greenhouse gas mitigation impacts of agricultural practices. By using CFT, participating farmers and stakeholders in Blue Harvest can make informed decisions to reduce carbon footprints while promoting sustainable and regenerative farming methods.
The presentation emphasized the objectives of the Blue Harvest Regenerative program in Central America to improving productivity and resilience and protect water resources, while reducing emissions and capturing carbon. The event fostered engaging discussions with key players from the agricultural, agroforestry, and financial sectors, creating a dynamic space for sharing experiences across organizations and sectors. This interaction highlighted the significance of tools like the CFT in addressing the challenges posed by monitoring climate change mitigation.
During the session, CRS presented several key approaches to addressing climate change via regenerative agriculture. They also discussed the application of regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reducing nitrogen fertilizer use and crop residue and wastewater management to mitigate GHG emissions in coffee farms in Honduras and Nicaragua, stressing the significance of agroforestry management systems that capture carbon, promote biodiversity, and reduce climate risk. Practical examples from research sites under the program illustrated how the CFT can measure emissions and carbon sequestration effectively.
The session was designed to be interactive, incorporating hands-on exercises using the CFT and facilitating group discussions. Many organizations expressed interest in adopting the tool for their own supply chains, recognizing the CFT’s capability to provide clear, measurable metrics for environmental impact. Participants especially valued the Blue Harvest program’s case studies on agroforestry management, along with it’s training for local technicians in data collection and CFT application. The program’s practical, scalable approach to climate mitigation and resilience-building in agricultural systems resonated with attendees.
Adopting tools like the CFT not only facilitates data-driven decision-making, but also supports contributions to global mitigation efforts. By engaging with global stakeholders and sharing these impactful practices, Blue Harvest Regenerative continues to drive innovation and sustainability in coffee farming. The experience at the conference underscored Blue Harvest and KDP’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and farming communities in Central America.
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Unlocking Value Through Regenerative Agriculture
One of the most important questions facing the coffee sector is whether regenerative agriculture can deliver measurable economic value. The evidence emerging from Blue Harvest suggests it can. Participating farms reported an average yield increase of 49%, income gains ranging from 43% to 52%, and significant improvements in nitrogen use efficiency. These results suggest that healthier soils can support stronger farm economics while reducing reliance on costly external inputs, creating value for producers, cooperatives and supply chain partners alike.
Water Security Is Coffee Security
Water is one of the most critical resources underpinning the future of coffee. Coffee processing water use has been reduced by 76%, saving more than 40 million liters of water annually. At the same time, partnerships among cooperatives, communities, and local organizations have helped improve water access for 50,000 people. These results show that investments in water stewardship can generate benefits that extend beyond the farm, supporting both community well-being and long-term supply chain resilience.
A Climate Solution Rooted in Working Landscapes
Using the Cool Farm Tool, Blue Harvest Regenerative has documented greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 50% through improved nutrient management, agroforestry systems, enhanced soil cover, and better management of coffee processing byproducts and wastewater. At the same time, coffee cooperatives and community groups are helping protect and conserve more than 260,000 acres of critical landscapes. Together, these results show that regenerative approaches can deliver climate benefits while supporting productive coffee landscapes.
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A Shared Opportunity for the Coffee Sector
The experiences emerging from Honduras and Nicaragua suggest that productivity, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity are not competing goals, but are essential parts of a resilient whole. When producers, cooperatives, companies, and communities work together, these outcomes reinforce one another. As the coffee sector looks ahead, regenerative agriculture offers a pathway toward stronger farms, healthier watersheds, lower emissions, and more resilient supply chains. Across Central America, producers are showing that resilience is not only a response to climate challenges—it is an opportunity to build a stronger future for coffee.
