2025.08.24 – Members of the Villa Sol community participating in the 25th edition of the Coffee Festival in Pichanaki © Envol Vert
From August 22 to 24, 2025, the 25th National Coffee Festival took place in Pichanaki. This was an opportunity for producers participating in the ConBosque program to present their work and sell their products. This year, we have strengthened our work with groups that are implementing the black walnut (Juglans neotropica) as an economic alternative so that they can participate in the festival.
The black walnut was the star of the event thanks to various preparations by the participating producers: lollipops, cakes, and soft drinks. It was a great way to introduce the public to this new product and its rich flavor. We didn’t only sell the processed product but also offered the nuts. This was a big step forward for the project!
Members of the Villa Sol and Centro Anapiari communities participated in this festival. It was the first time they were participating in a fair as part of the program , a great source of pride for them and for Envol Vert.
As a result of hard work, the black walnut cakes and lollipops were really appreciated by the public. Some remembered eating them when they were younger, while others were discovering the product for the first time but were really curious. Warmly received by different customers, this success confirms that there is a market and demand for this alternative.
In addition to the nuts, producers also sold the seeds, leaves, and bark of the walnut tree. This was a way to teach the various benefits and show the importance of the tree as more than just a source of wood.
It should be remembered that the black walnut tree is an endangered species, highly prized for the quality of its wood. Since coffee does not grow well alongside this tree, producers have preferred to cut it down.
Seeing so many people interested in the walnut tree and its seeds, and asking for advice on how to take care of the trees, shows that mindsets can change if people are aware.
2025.08.23 – From left to right: Cakes made with black walnuts by producers from Villa Sol; Mrs. Lucy presenting the bagged walnuts; Soft drink made with black walnuts by producers from Villa Sol. © Envol Vert
Participation in fairs plays an important role in developing sustainable economic alternatives.
For the participants, it’s a way to demonstrate their understanding of the project, whether they hace truly embraced it, whether they can talk about it and promote it. It also allows us to assess their motivation and their ability to organize themselves as a group.
All these small indicators provide valuable insight into the next steps we should take with each group. What should the next training sessions focus on? What activities should we plan to strengthen the group? Let’s remember that the ultimate goal is for producers to become self-sufficient. That’s why it’s essential for them to build skills in sales, money management, handling orders, customer service, and more.
These fairs also offer producers a marketplace where they can earn fair compensation for their work, helping them diversify their income sources. It’s also a powerful communication tool, helping to raise awareness about this new product, highlight its qualities, and build a database of potential future customers. For the women producers and for Envol Vert, it’s an opportunity to continue their outreach and education efforts with the public. At a time when deforestation is on the rise, it’s essential to open up dialogue about the risks and impacts of these practices and to present viable, sustainable alternatives.
In conclusion, taking part in the 2025 Coffee Festival was a great success for both the women producers and the Envol Vert team. It was a moment full of exchange, learning, and shared experiences!
2025.08.24 – Members of the Villa Sol community participating in the 25th edition of the Coffee Festival in Pichanaki © Envol Vert
From August 22 to 24, 2025, the 25th National Coffee Festival took place in Pichanaki. This was an opportunity for producers participating in the ConBosque program to present their work and sell their products. This year, we have strengthened our work with groups that are implementing the black walnut (Juglans neotropica) as an economic alternative so that they can participate in the festival.
The black walnut was the star of the event thanks to various preparations by the participating producers: lollipops, cakes, and soft drinks. It was a great way to introduce the public to this new product and its rich flavor. We didn’t only sell the processed product but also offered the nuts. This was a big step forward for the project!
Members of the Villa Sol and Centro Anapiari communities participated in this festival. It was the first time they were participating in a fair as part of the program , a great source of pride for them and for Envol Vert.
As a result of hard work, the black walnut cakes and lollipops were really appreciated by the public. Some remembered eating them when they were younger, while others were discovering the product for the first time but were really curious. Warmly received by different customers, this success confirms that there is a market and demand for this alternative.
In addition to the nuts, producers also sold the seeds, leaves, and bark of the walnut tree. This was a way to teach the various benefits and show the importance of the tree as more than just a source of wood.
It should be remembered that the black walnut tree is an endangered species, highly prized for the quality of its wood. Since coffee does not grow well alongside this tree, producers have preferred to cut it down.
Seeing so many people interested in the walnut tree and its seeds, and asking for advice on how to take care of the trees, shows that mindsets can change if people are aware.
2025.08.23 – From left to right: Cakes made with black walnuts by producers from Villa Sol; Mrs. Lucy presenting the bagged walnuts; Soft drink made with black walnuts by producers from Villa Sol. © Envol Vert
Participation in fairs plays an important role in developing sustainable economic alternatives.
For the participants, it’s a way to demonstrate their understanding of the project, whether they hace truly embraced it, whether they can talk about it and promote it. It also allows us to assess their motivation and their ability to organize themselves as a group.
All these small indicators provide valuable insight into the next steps we should take with each group. What should the next training sessions focus on? What activities should we plan to strengthen the group? Let’s remember that the ultimate goal is for producers to become self-sufficient. That’s why it’s essential for them to build skills in sales, money management, handling orders, customer service, and more.
These fairs also offer producers a marketplace where they can earn fair compensation for their work, helping them diversify their income sources. It’s also a powerful communication tool, helping to raise awareness about this new product, highlight its qualities, and build a database of potential future customers. For the women producers and for Envol Vert, it’s an opportunity to continue their outreach and education efforts with the public. At a time when deforestation is on the rise, it’s essential to open up dialogue about the risks and impacts of these practices and to present viable, sustainable alternatives.
In conclusion, taking part in the 2025 Coffee Festival was a great success for both the women producers and the Envol Vert team. It was a moment full of exchange, learning, and shared experiences!
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