We are proud to share that our member Triodos Investment Management has provided a trade finance facility to Sol Organica, a Nicaraguan food processing company that sources, manufactures, and exports organic certified solar dried fruit, tropical fruit purees and juices. The trade finance facility will allow Sol Organica to pay smallholder farmers fairly and immediately upon delivery of their produce.
Sol Organica was founded in 2007 by Will Burke with the aim to improve the livelihoods of tropical fruit farmers, particularly the pitaya (or dragon fruit) farmers. The company has come a long way since and is now a certified B-Corporation working closely with over 800 smallholder farmers to improve agricultural practices and secure organic and fair-trade certifications. Sol Organica offers fixed contracts that guarantee the purchase of crops at prevailing market prices.
Sol Organica’s dedication to the well-being of the smallholder farmer is reflected by the remarkable effort of setting up a bank account for each farmer, so that no one needs to carry cash in and out of the field. 90% of the farmers now have a bank account with a debit card and an increased access to financial services. The farmers also receive a bonus at the end of the season, another important incentive to deliver their produce to Sol Organica. The average farmer income per hectare grew from USD 1,372 in 2015 to USD 2,408 in 2019, a vital increase as the average farmland is only one hectare.
Triodos Investment Management is a globally active impact investor. They invest to generate social and environmental impact alongside a healthy financial return. They see impact investing as a driving force in transition to a more inclusive and sustainable world. For more than 30 years, they have offered impact investment solutions that connect investors who want to make money work for positive change with innovative entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses that believe in the same.
