Nursery for the production of forest

and shade trees

The Nursery operated by Coope El Dos is of great importance in the zone. It permits the production of trees, which can then be sold at very low prices to the producers. The trees have a tripple effect. First they can be used as wind breakers, very important in an area as windy as Tilaran. Secondly, they help with reforestation of the area, and third, provide shade on the coffee plantations.

Miguel Ángel Salas, has been in charge of the green house project since the beginning.

How long has Coope El Dos been operating the Nursery?

The Nursery for forest and shade trees began in 1988.

How many different species of trees does the cooperative produce?
At the moment 18 species of trees. Acacia, Porro, Guaba, among others, are used as much for windbreakers as they are for providing shade in the coffee plantations. The cooperative also produces trees that can provide food for family consumption such as Marañón and Avocado.

How many trees are produced per year?
We have reached some 90,000 trees per year, which has a tremendous impact on the reforestation in the area, where the primary activities are cattle ranching and coffee production.

What else do you produce in the Nursery?
The Nursery is also in charge of producing coffee plant seedlings, especially the organic ones, before they are planted. For the organic coffee 12,000 plants per year are cultivated.

What is the biggest problem the nursery has had to confront?

Many people were very skeptical at the beginning with respect to the use of trees. However, thanks to the successful experiences of many producers the nursery has transformed into one of the principal services of the cooperative. Personally, I am very happy with the environmental impact that we have been able to have in the region.

We have also confronted financial problems. At the beginning we received the help of the government and the Costa Rican Institute of electricity. The Foundation Café Forestal then stepped in the support the co-op and provided an emergency line of credit for the project. With this support the co-op has been able to sell the tress 5 times less expensive than they can be purchased in the Central valley.

Do you work only in the Nursery?

I spend the majority of my time in the nursery although I am helping my daughter with her parcela of coffee. She works as a secretary for the Co-op and I need to help her maintain her coffee plants.