The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica (SCACR) have collaborated with NFT company BIOCENFT to create a new NFT collection inspired by CATIE’s coffee strains. Proceeds will help fund CATIE’s coffee research and conservation efforts.
The NFTs showcase 12 coffee varieties from CATIE’s collection, including geisha, wush wush, and mibirizi. With over 12,000 varieties, CATIE has one of the world’s largest coffee collections. Maintaining this genetic diversity is vital according to the Global Coffee Conservation Strategy.
“We’re grateful to support CATIE’s collection and SCACR through this NFT project,” said BIOCENFT CEO Walter Aguilar. “Our goal is to facilitate fundraising for biodiversity conservation.”
SCACR hopes to use the NFT revenue to boost Costa Rica’s international coffee reputation. SCACR has increased its focus on developing climate-resilient coffee varieties as diseases and climate change threaten yields.
“This lets coffee lovers contribute to Costa Rican coffee culture,” said SCACR’s Noelia Villalobos.
The NFTs are available in gold, silver, and standard versions ranging from $20 to $12,000. By generating funds for CATIE and SCACR, the NFT collection aims to preserve coffee’s genetic heritage amidst environmental challenges.
