Honduras
Cafesmo Mercedes

About the cooperative

Between the Cerro Pital mountain and the Pacayita volcano, near Honduras’ border with El Salvador, hundreds of small farmers cultivate their coffee in the rich soil of Mercedes, Ocotepeque. The Cafesmo cooperative, from its formal beginnings in 2016, aimed to directly export the unique, rich coffees of the farmers in this area. With over 280 members, this cooperative takes pride in being able to provide local farmers with new opportunities, while highlighting their individual stories, talents, and knowledge. 

One reason we’re excited to be working with Cafesmo is their continual focus on regenerative agriculture! Crop diversification, a CO2 offsetting program, and workshops for farmers where they learn best practices for conservation and erosion control, are all ways in which Cafesmo works to maintain the environment where they cultivate coffee. Some members have also started beekeeping to improve pollination on their farms, and rent out their hives to other producers when they need it!

Through joining Cafesmo, these small farmers receive technical assistance and training, gain direct access to international markets, and obtain Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance certifications. Cafesmo also has a roastery, where farmers can have their coffee roasted for personal use or to sell locally! After visiting Cafesmo for the first time in 2025, we’re so happy to be able to showcase three of their coffees this harvest.