San José, Costa Rica – The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica (SCACR) have joined forces with the non-fungible token (NFT) distribution company, BIOCENFT, to introduce a unique NFT collection inspired by 12 distinct coffee varieties curated by CATIE.
The proceeds generated from this venture will be channeled towards the advancement of research, preservation, and promotion of CATIE’s International Coffee Collection, acknowledged as the fourth-largest collection of its kind globally. These funds will also bolster the activities and funding requirements of CATIE’s Genetic Improvement Department and the SCACR.
Walter Aguilar, CEO of BIOCENFT, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to CATIE’s International Coffee Collection and the Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica. He stated, “BIOCENFT was created to facilitate fundraising for organizations or projects related to biodiversity protection and conservation.”
The 12 available NFTs are inspired by a selection of coffee varieties, including Geisha, Wush-Wush, Mibirizi, Java, Rume Sudan, ET-47, SL-28, SL-34, Centroamericano, Milenio, Esperanza, and Casiopea.
CATIE’s International Coffee Collection, in alignment with the Global Strategy for Conservation of Coffee Genetic Resources, is among the four worldwide collections dedicated to preserving the broadest range of coffee’s genetic diversity.
Noelia Villalobos, Executive Director of SCACR, sees this collaboration as an opportunity for coffee aficionados and NFT enthusiasts to make a meaningful contribution. Villalobos emphasized that the association will continue to disseminate knowledge and promote coffee culture both nationally and internationally.
SCACR intends to utilize the funds to elevate the global positioning of Costa Rican coffee. The association’s primary objective has been to promote Costa Rican coffees distinguished by unique characteristics and to identify niche markets interested in procuring and savoring these exceptional blends. Over recent years, driven by climate change, diseases, and other factors, the association has directed efforts towards the research, maintenance, and enhancement of coffee varieties.
The NFT collection is offered in three editions: Gold, Silver, and Standard, with investment options ranging from $20 to $12,000.
