Category: Projects

The Unión de Cooperativas Agropecuarias Tierra Nueva (UCA Tierra Nueva) traces its origins to 1997, when the Cooperativa de Servicios Agropecuarios Tierra Nueva (COSATIN R.L.) was established in Boaco to help improve the incomes of local producers. As its activities expanded, the organisation began a process of organisational strengthening that led to the creation of several base cooperatives and, in 2006, the formation of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives. In 2007, it was formally established as a second-level cooperative under the name UCA Tierra Nueva R.L.

Today, the cooperative provides collection, processing and commercialisation services, as well as technical assistance, training and certification. Its main products are coffee, honey and turmeric, produced under certified systems including Organic and Fair Trade. UCA Tierra Nueva manages traceability from harvest through to export and has established commercial relationships in markets in Europe and the United States.

As of June 2026, UCA Tierra Nueva comprises six base cooperatives and 339 members, including 74 women and 265 men. Five of the cooperatives focus on coffee, while one specialises in honey.

The organisation has also strengthened its processing capacity. After initially renting a dry coffee mill, UCA Tierra Nueva now operates its own facility for processing coffee, honey and turmeric. This infrastructure provides greater control over processing, quality and traceability. The cooperative is based in Boaco and has its own vehicle for transporting production.

Specialty coffee from Boaco

Coffee is at the centre of UCA Tierra Nueva’s activities. Its producers cultivate varieties including Caturra, Red and Yellow Catuaí, Bourbon, Parainema, Pacas and Catimor. The cooperative’s specialty coffees and microlots benefit from the agroecological conditions of the production areas, with some lots scoring above 85 points. Its organic coffee averages 84 points, with cup profiles featuring notes of citrus, sweet chocolate, fruit, passion fruit, mandarin, almonds and panela.

Quality control begins when coffee is delivered by members. Each lot undergoes physical analysis and cupping, allowing the cooperative to classify coffees according to their characteristics and determine their commercial destination. UCA Tierra Nueva has developed links with international differentiated markets and also sells coffee locally under its own Café Lo Sano brand.

Looking ahead, the cooperative is focused on strengthening technical assistance to improve productivity and coffee quality, including through improved varieties and post-harvest practices. It is also working to increase the participation of women and young people in cooperative processes and reinforce commitments to non-discrimination and safe working conditions.

With its producer network, processing infrastructure and established market links, UCA Tierra Nueva continues to strengthen coffee production and commercial opportunities for producers in Boaco.