12Tree

Chimelb: RRG NBS’ Climate-Resilient Coffee Farm in Guatemala 🌱☕️

High in the Guatemalan mountains, rows of sun-grown Arabica coffee thrive as part of a 576-hectare regenerative farm designed to restore land and support local communities.

At 900–1,100 m above sea level, the coffee grows alongside natural and commercial forests that protect biodiversity and create vital ecological corridors. With an average yield of 40 qq/ha, Chimelb proves that regenerative farming can restore ecosystems and sustain strong productivity.

Harvesting is done by hand, providing jobs for hundreds from nearby communities like Cojaj and Campur. Certified under C.A.F.E. Practices, the farm meets high standards for environmental care, community well-being, and ethical production.

Here, nature and farming work together:
🌿 Forest corridors protect water sources and wildlife
🌾 Cover crops enrich and stabilize the soil
☀️ Sun-grown coffee enhances bean flavor and quality

Chimelb is a living example of how regenerative agriculture can balance productivity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Regenerating soil with cacao waste

In our agroforestry systems in Ecuador, cacao pod husks aren’t thrown away, they are returned to the land. The residues help build organic matter, improve soil structure, and retain precious moisture. They’re also rich in potassium — a key nutrient that cacao trees demand — so part of what the tree takes is naturally cycled back into the soil.

What might seem like waste becomes a tool of regeneration. When we work with nature’s cycles, even by-products reveal their value.

Up to 70% of the cacao plant is typically considered waste, including cocoa pod husks, bean shells, and cocoa sweatings. But in regenerative systems, these leftovers become assets.

Photos 2–3 and insights shared by our agronomist

California grows 80% of the world’s almonds, but water shortages are reshaping the industry. Could new regions emerge?

📍 In southeast Nogales, Sonora, improved weather conditions create potential—but with groundwater fully allocated, what’s the opportunity? Runoff from intense rainfall is going uncaptured.

Our NBS Agricultural Intelligence Suite helps navigate these shifts for resilient, sustainable production.

During a visit to NBS farm Ecuriolindo, Juan David from Crop Management explained the practice of Recepa—a technique used in cacao cultivation to renew tree canopies. This method helps restore the vitality of unproductive or aging trees (over 20 years old) without introducing new plants. 🌿✂️

Assessing root systems remains essential for efficient fertilization and long-term crop health. Through these analyses and workshops, we continue learning and sharing knowledge to strengthen regenerative agriculture 🌱.

Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao – From Finca Limón to Europe

Our Nacional Cacao from Finca Limón, Ecuador, is a premium variety classified as fine aroma cacao, known for its complex flavor profile with floral and fruity notes. This heirloom cacao, native to Ecuador, represents less than 5% of the world’s cacao production, making it a highly sought-after ingredient among top chocolatiers.

One of our top clients is making excellent bean to Bar chocolate from Finca Limon cacao. We are proud to cultivate and distribute this high-quality cacao to our clients in Europe, ensuring traceability, sustainability, and exceptional flavor in every batch.

Photo credit:

At Andean Cacao () wildlife thrives alongside our regenerative farming practices. From riparian zones to the lush morichales, our commitment to conservation is woven into everything we do.
Through regular monitoring and community engagement, we work to protect these sensitive ecosystems, ensuring they remain rich habitats for biodiversity. These efforts are a key part of our sustainability strategy, aligning with Verra CCB Certification and the Science-Based Targets Initiative.

Swipe through to discover the wildlife and plants that share a home at Andean cacao:

Photo 1: hypsiboas frog
Photo 2: white-tailored deer
Photo 3: agile gracile opossum
Photo 4: giant ant eater
Photo 5: green iguana
Photo 6: southern tamandua