We're on a mission to plant 1 million trees by 2020 in partnership with small-scale farmers.

Deforestation for agricultural expansion causes 15-18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Intensification of crop production to meet growing urban and export demand has resulted in the decline of soil fertility, threatening food security and livelihoods.

 

Agroforestry is a solution working for farmers and the planet.  By planting trees in agroforestry systems, farmers can meet the needs of their communities, while generating much needed income through the sale of organic and fair trade products while enhancing their climate resiliency. Agroforestry also has multiple other co-benefits, including climate change mitigation, poverty alleviation, food security, and many environmental benefits. 

Despite strong market prices for organic and fair trade products, farmers need support and investment to transition to a resilient, regenerative future.

That's where you can help.

Give Trees: Reforestation and Revitalizing Coffee Production in Peru

Nestled in the heart of the mountains in the Andean Paramos region of Peru, there are 182 families who entirely depend on coffee cultivation for their livelihood. Unfortunately, coffee rust – a fungus also known as “La Roya” — has devastated the coffee trees of 64 of these families, leading to catastrophic economic losses.  

Grow Ahead has teamed up with Peruvian-based Cooperativa Norandino to support the families affected by the “La Roya” blight through a farmer-driven agroforestry program. The program is geared towards revitalizing their coffee production, as well as supporting the conservation and reforestation of the local ecosystem.

Farmers need support and investment to transition to a resilient, regenerative future.

That's where you can help.

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Tackle climate change. Revitalize livelihoods. Regenerate land. Boost local food security. Plant a tree today for just $1.
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Additional Background

With coffee production their only way to make a living and provide for their families, they have had no choice but to search for nearby land which has not been infected by coffee rust. While this is giving these families a financial lifeline, it has also resulted in the destruction of forests in the region, a territory that cannot that cannot afford this type of displacement.

The Andean Paramos region of Peru is one of the most fragile and precious ecosystems in the face of climate change. Not only are its freshwater springs threatened due to deforestation with the expansion of agriculture, but this land is viewed as a valuable source of wood for fuel. Needless to say, these vital resources that must be preserved and protected.

Expected outcomes:

  • 135,000 coffee seedlings of a variety naturally resistant to “La Roya” will be cultivated and planted on 30 hectares
  • 69,000 forest seedlings for native species reforestation will be cultivated in the first year for the repopulation of an additional 55 hectares
  • Three community associations will be created to monitor ecosystem health and to support with education and capacity-building around conservation and fair carbon certification

 

FAQ

How much of my donation goes directly to support this project?

100% of funds raised go directly to Cooperativa Norandino.

Does $1 really equal 1 tree?

The cost of trees is about more than the tree itself. $1 includes the cost of growing a tree at a nursery, transportation, material, ongoing maintenance, and operating costs.

When will the trees be planted?

Trees will be planted once the campaign is fully funded during an appropriate time for the region. Planting usually happens during the rainy season, when the soil provides optimum conditions for tree survival.

For more answers, please visit Grow Ahead’s FAQ.