In Guatemala, a country with a rich coffee tradition, Solidaridad and Volcafe have launched a pilot project to convert waste from the coffee pruning process into biochar, a valuable soil amendment that sequesters carbon. In a context where agriculture faces the challenges of climate change, soil degradation and the urgent need to reduce emissions, this initiative finds a way to balance productivity and sustainability. Biochar improves soil health, reduces the carbon footprint and increases resilience for coffee farmers.
Collaborating on resilient, low-carbon coffee farming
The pilot project, part of the Pathways to Prosperity programme, has a clear goal: to support the coffee supply chain’s path towards low-carbon coffee farming, with improved soils and productivity. To achieve this, Solidaridad and Volcafe have structured a phased strategy, starting with capacity building.
The first phase trained 20 Volcafe technicians to transform residual biomass, such as branches, stems and leaves from coffee plants and shade trees, into biochar, a carbonized material that enhances soil fertility and sequesters carbon.
Why is biochar important?
- Reduces emissions: Carbonizing waste properly instead of burning it prevents CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere.
- Improves soil: Biochar increases nutrient retention and water-holding capacity, making crops more resilient.
- Diverts waste: Resources previously considered waste are utilized, generating added value on the farm with circular practices.
- Increases Productivity: Healthier soils support higher yields.
“Through this initiative, Solidaridad and Volcafe aim to create opportunities for farmers by promoting innovative practices that benefit coffee cultivation. We are ensuring these practices are accessible and adaptable to their reality, while simultaneously generating added value for them”
Martha Gómez, project consultant for Central America.
Biochar as a sustainability tool
The project is based on three fundamental pillars: productivity, quality and efficient use of resources. Biochar production aligns perfectly with these principles through a simple yet impactful artisanal process. It begins with the collection of biomass, such as pruning waste from coffee and shade trees, which would otherwise go unused. The material is then dried and carefully selected, preparing the material for efficient carbonization. Next, it undergoes controlled pyrolysis, a process of low-oxygen burning. Finally, the resulting biochar is applied to the soil, where it improves the structure and fertility of the soil.
Key benefits include:
- Carbon sequestration: Stores carbon for centuries, mitigating climate change.
- Healthier soils: Increases microbial activity and nutrient availability.
- Greater productivity: Coffee plants become more resistant to droughts and pests.
“This methodology not only aims to increase yields but also to improve the quality of life for producers by reducing their dependence on chemical inputs”
Fernando Gramajo, a representative of Volcafe Guatemala.
Next steps: Replication, trials and impact measurement
The phased plan will deliver results in stages. In the short term (by early 2026), the focus is on individual producers adopting biochar technology, while assessing the potential for scaling up. Long-term impacts on coffee farm productivity will be tracked and measured through soil health monitoring, with continuous analysis required for a conclusive evaluation.
The phases include:
- Training replication: Producers in regions including Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, El Progreso, Chimaltenango, Cubulco and Huehuetenango will receive training to integrate biochar on their farms.
- Field trial setup: Validation trials will be established in at least 2 regions of Guatemala.
- Technical support: Ongoing support and guidance will ensure the correct application of the technique.
- Evaluation and scalability: Results will be evaluated to scale the model to more producers across Volcafe’s supply chain.
The partnership between Solidaridad and Volcafe demonstrates that sustainable innovation is possible when technical knowledge, community commitment and a long-term vision are combined. Biochar is not only an environmentally-friendly solution to productivity issues, but also offers an economic opportunity for coffee farmers in Central America. This pilot project has the potential to create a more resilient coffee industry, where waste is transformed into resources and every cup of coffee tells a story of sustainability and improvement.