Fundraising campaign launched to benefit CATIE and ensure the future of coffee

• The campaign involves the sale of 12 NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), unique digital assets representing various coffee varieties from CATIE's International Collection. 

August 30, 2023.In support of CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Cost Rica (SCA.CR), the company BIOCENFT launched Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) inspired by 12 coffee varieties on Tuesday, August 29. The main goal is to generate economic resources for both organizations. 

The funds raised will contribute to the research, conservation, and promotion of CATIE's International Coffee Collection, considered the fourth largest in the world. The resources will also support the operations and financing of CATIE's Genetic Improvement Department and SCA.CR. Both are nonprofit organizations that have worked to safeguard coffee globally.  

"I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to CATIE's International Coffee Collection and the Specialty Coffee Association of Cost Rica. BIOCENFT was created to facilitate fundraising for organizations or projects related to biodiversity protection and conservation. For this reason, I reiterate my thanks," emphasized Walter Aguilar, CEO of BIOCENFT. 

What are NFTs and what do they consist of?  

To understand the concept of NFTs, it's important to know the meaning of fungible and non-fungible goods. Fungible goods can be exchanged based on their quantity, measurement, or weight, like money. Non-fungible goods, on the other hand, are unique, indivisible, transferable assets with traceability over time, such as artworks.   

NFTs, as defined by their acronym, are Non-Fungible Tokens—encrypted digital assets that use blockchain technology to store and certify their originality and ownership. blockchain que permite que estos activos se puedan almacenar y certificar tanto su originalidad como su propiedad.  

Contribution to global coffee farming  

For 73 years, CATIE has safeguarded the most diverse collection of Coffea arabica available to any user, making it the second largest in Latin America. According to the Global Strategy for Conservation of Coffee Genetic Resources, it's one of the four collections—alongside African Origin collections—preserving the world's widest coffee genetic diversity. 

Thanks to the diversity preserved in CATIE's collection, the Center has worked on genetic improvement to develop hybrids since the 1990s. These hybrids expand coffee's genetic base, offering resilience against diseases like Coffee Leaf Rust, high productivity, climate change resilience, and better cup quality. This strengthens the livelihoods of many families in the Latin American region. 

"It's necessary to continue creating new, more productive, higher quality, and climate-resilient coffee varieties. The genetic diversity in CATIE's International Coffee Collection can be used to create these varieties, ensuring the coffee industry's sustainability for future generations," highlighted William Solano, researcher in plant genetic resources and curator of CATIE's International Coffee Collection. 

SCA.CR and the international positioning of Costa Rican coffee  

Since 1993, SCA.CR's objective has been to promote Costa Rican coffees with special characteristics and identify market niches interested in purchasing and consuming them. In recent years, due to climate change, diseases, and other factors, the association has also focused on research, maintenance, and improvement of coffee varieties.   

"For us, this is an opportunity for coffee and NFT enthusiasts to contribute. The association will continue disseminating knowledge and promoting coffee culture nationally and internationally," commented Noelia Villalobos, Executive Director of SCA.CR. 

Be part of the future of coffee  

The 12 available NFTs are inspired by the Geisha, Wush-Wush, Mibirizi, Java, Rume Sudan, ET-47, SL-28, SL-34, Centroamericano, Milenio, Esperanza, and Casiopea varieties. They are available in Gold, Silver and Standard editions, with investments ranging from $20 to $12,000. 

The sale and purchase of NFTs in partnership with BIOCENFT, CATIE, and SCA.CR will be available from August 30, 2023, on the website: https://biocenft.com/ To know more about the official launch, you're invited to join the Facebook Live event.