The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed today in New York a Memorandum of Understanding to promote prosperity and support the development of coffee growing communities in Colombia. This endorses the collaboration between both organizations, while deepening their commitment to improving the quality of life of the producer and his family.

The memorandum recognizes common objectives, such as the eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequalities and the support of coffee-growing communities, using an inclusion framework. For its implementation, the FNC and the UNDP will work on an agenda based on different areas of collaboration, including rural agricultural development, peacebuilding, as well as mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

In particular, the agreement seeks to promote the implementation of biodiversity-friendly coffee production practices at the farm level to mitigate the impact of climate variability on biodiversity and coffee productivity; promote actions that contribute to a better production of sustainable coffee while helping to eliminate and reduce greenhouse gases; and support the design and implementation of innovative financial and economic mechanisms that promote the consolidation of sustainable, resilient and neutral coffee landscapes in carbon for the benefit of small producers.

On the occasion, Luis Felipe López-Calva, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted: “UNDP and Fedecafé have the common goal of bringing development to rural areas of Colombia; this memorandum expands the framework of joint cooperation for the benefit of Colombian coffee growers”.

Roberto Vélez, General Manager of Fedecafé, said: “UNDP is one of the leading organizations in the fight against poverty and promotion of development and inclusion within the framework of the SDGs. We are very pleased to work hand in hand with the UNDP with a view to the prosperity of Colombian coffee growers."

The memorandum, which is valid for five years and can be extended, was signed at the UNDP headquarters in New York, within the framework of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.