The main objective of the project is to develop transparent and verified supply chains in Colombia and Costa Rica for products that do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation, and thus enhance their competitiveness in the EU and other global markets.

The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

• 150 MSMEs in Colombia and Costa Rica gain access to sustainable or deforestation-free supply chains as a result of support for the adoption of sustainable and/or digitised economic practices through AL-INVEST Verde.
• Creation of new full-time equivalent green and digital jobs as a direct result of AL-INVEST Verde support. The expected impact of the project is to develop transparent and verified supply chains for products from Colombia and Costa Rica that do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation and create decent jobs, in particular for youth and women, thus boosting their competitiveness in the EU and other global markets.

The beneficiaries of the project will mainly be:

• 150 MSMES in Colombia and Costa Rica, 80% in rural areas in the agri-food sector mainly but not limited to coffee, beef, palm oil and inter-sectoral represent the main target group, including farmers, food producers, processors, distributors and retailers with special emphasis on cooperatives, traders and other MSMEs that transform the conditions of farmers. They play a vital role in the production and supply of food products, contributing to local economies, food security and job creation. Examples of such organisations are TierraCol (platform connecting small farmers and producers with consumers), La Vaquita (regional retailer sourcing from local supply chains), Expoagrofuturo (fair organiser).
• 90 professionals who are placed in new green and digital jobs.
• 60 employees MSMEs with increased knowledge on access to finance: MSME employees in the roles of business development officers, finance officers and managers will gain advanced knowledge on potential sources of finance, types of finance, eligibility, building relationships with investors, etc. They will play an important role in MSMEs' efforts to attract capital for future growth.

Indirect beneficiaries include: local communities that will benefit from increased economic activity and access to sustainably produced food that contributes to nutrition and new and higher quality job opportunities; supply chain actors, including transport, logistics, packaging and technology providers that offer services to MSMEs, generating business opportunities; investors who allocate their capital to the most promising MSMEs will benefit from the financial and impact results of the enterprises.

Petr Skvaril

Project Coordinator - Impact Hub Association

petr.skvaril@impacthub.net