Features
October 01, 2025

100 Colombian women produce the world’s first coffee grown with Yara Climate Choice™ fertilizers

In Huila, Colombia, women farmers from Pitalito, Oporapa, and Timaná are growing the world’s first coffee cultivated with Yara Climate Choice fertilizers.


Coffee farmer in Huila, Colombia
Coffee farmer in Huila, Colombia

A new benchmark for low emission coffee

This is the first time Yara’s Climate Choice portfolio has been introduced in coffee farming.

“Through innovation and collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to the decarbonization of coffee farming and to solutions that transform production chains. This project shows what is possible when all stakeholders work together.”

Pedro Parenti, SVP Latin America at Yara

Renewable-based, lower carbon Yara Climate Choice fertilizers are produced with ammonia derived from renewable feedstocks such as hydrogen from electrolysis powered by renewable electricity or renewable natural gas (RNG). Farmers receive the quality and consistency they already trust, with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Compared to conventional fertilizers made from fossil-based natural gas, this technology reduces emissions by up to 95 percent. On the farm, this translates into coffee with a 60 percent lower carbon footprint, and a bold, new benchmark for low emission coffee.

Empowering women farmers

“With the support of Yara and SKN, we’ve become more aware of how important it is to protect our environment and to work as one team,” says Yuri Cuellar, a farmer from Timaná. “And when we do that, the value of every coffee bean grows.”

For many women in rural Colombia, farming coffee has always meant hard work with limited opportunities. Training, financing, and market access often remain out of reach. This project is helping change that, by providing women with:

  • Training in farming techniques and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Access to lower carbon fertilizers and markets that reward sustainability.
  • Support in regenerative farming practices that restore soil and increase yields.

The result is not just healthier and more sustainable crops, but stronger voices and greater recognition for women’s leadership in agriculture.

Women farmers and Yara agronomist in coffee field

Collaboration rooted in purpose

The success of this project is driven by collaboration. Yara joined forces with SKN Caribecafé, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), and the National Secretariat of Social Pastoral Cáritas Colombiana.

Together, they provide fertilizers, technical expertise in regenerative agriculture, and training in business and administrative skills.

“This coffee is not just a product," says Juan Camilo Ramos, Manager at SKN Caribecafé. "It's a symbol of what we can achieve by joining forces for a common purpose. At SKN Caribecafé, we are proud to promote an initiative that fosters sustainability and prosperity in the Colombian coffee chain. Thanks to regenerative agriculture practices, our coffee will be positioned with a differential approach."

Recognition beyond the fields

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, the initiative was named one of Colombia’s INspiring Companies by the National Association of Industrialists (ANDI), the Swedish Embassy, and Portafolio. Under the banner “Coffee for a Sustainable Future,” the recognition highlighted how the project creates shared value, advances diversity, and strengthens competitiveness in the country.

“Being recognized as an INspiring Company validates that what we do as a company truly matters,” says Pedro Parenti. “It’s a testament to our leadership in sustainability, our ability to transform value chains through innovation and collaboration, and our commitment to regenerative agriculture that improves lives and protects the planet."

Women farmer in front of Yara Climate Choice fertilizer bags.

Harvesting the future

The coffee is grown in Bruselas, Huila, where volcanic soils and high altitudes create ideal growing conditions. The project also integrates tools to track productivity, quality, and carbon footprint, ensuring measurable impact on both farming and sustainability.

In its first year, the initiative has already achieved remarkable results: 

  • Over 180 tons of lower carbon fertilizer were commercialized.
  • Productivity on participating farms increased by 55 percent.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 51 percent.

From the hills of Huila, this coffee tells a powerful story, demonstrating that agriculture can meet climate goals while creating opportunities and strengthening communities. It shows what's possible when innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment come together.

Coffee bag