In a landmark move for Brazilian agriculture, the Cooxupé cooperative has successfully produced and sold carbon credits generated directly from its coffee farms. This pioneering initiative, part of their Regenerative Coffee Growing Project, marks a significant victory for sustainable farming and farmer income.
The pilot program brought together 12 cooperative members across 43.27 hectares. By integrating tree corridors and regenerative systems into their coffee fields, these farms sequestered an impressive 649.94 tons of carbon. The effort resulted in a direct financial payout of R$ 104,601.59 to the participating producers, alongside the donation of 5,000 tree seedlings to boost local biodiversity.
The operation was made possible through a partnership with one of Cooxupé's clients, who purchased the credits using an 'insetting' model. This approach sees the production chain itself investing in emission reductions at the source, effectively turning sustainable practices into a tangible new source of revenue for the farmers.
"This project proves it's possible to combine productivity, quality, and environmental responsibility in one system, with direct benefits for our members," stated Natalia Fernandes Carr, Cooxupé's ESG Manager. The initiative is built on a solid scientific foundation, developed in 2024 in partnership with researcher Madelaine Venzon from EPAMIG.
The science focuses on using specific trees with extrafloral nectaries, like ingá and eritrina, to attract natural pest enemies and increase biodiversity. Key partners include GrowGrounds, which structures and sells the carbon credits, and Clima Café, which provides technical advice on tree species selection for maximum carbon capture and economic value.
Monitoring and certification rely on advanced technology, including satellite imagery, drones, and georeferencing, with field sampling every five years to validate results. The participating farmers are spread across Cooxupé's main regions—seven in Southern Minas, three in the Cerrado Mineiro, and two in the Matas de Minas—demonstrating the model's potential for replication.
The project is now entering a new phase, opening enrollment for more cooperative members and bringing in the internationally recognized Gold Standard certification body. This will allow the carbon credits to also be sold in the 'offsetting' market, expanding the initiative's reach beyond the coffee chain.
"The 'Regenerative Coffee Growing' project reinforces the role of the cooperative member as a central agent in building sustainable solutions. It not only meets international market demands but creates real opportunities for income generation and strengthens the competitiveness of Brazilian coffee farming," Carr concluded. "It's the first project in Brazil to generate carbon units from the arborization of coffee crops. An advance that connects the field, science, and market, pointing to the future of coffee production."
Based on reporting from g1.