Rainforest Alliance

Through its Sustainable Finance Initiative, the Rainforest Alliance works with pre-certified and certified farmers, plantation owners and producer organizations to:

• Help detect weaknesses that may inhibit their access to credit;
• Help farmers to become more bankable (through record-keeping, for example);
• Provide information on (and connections to) possible funding sources;
• Assist in the preparation of business profiles and credit applications;
• Link producers to business and financial management technical assistance;
• Promote financial literacy among producers and their households;
• Conduct research on the financial costs and benefits of sustainability, and related investment products; and
• Communicate the benefits of sustainable agriculture and forestry, along with the benefits of Rainforest Alliance certification, to financial institutions.

The Rainforest alliance helps producers to access two types of loans:

• Short-term or trade finance loans that last less than one year. These include loans used by commodities buyers to purchase goods from farmers or foresters (trade finance); loans used by producers to purchase fertilizer, tools, seeds and other materials (input finance); and loans used by producers to grow and manage businesses more effectively during the year (working capital); and
• Long-term or investment finance loans that typically last from one to five years. These loans are intended for crop rehabilitation or renovation; larger equipment purchases; and sustainability improvements necessary to obtain certification such as investments in protective equipment, worker housing and sanitary latrine systems.

Both types of loans are vital to farmers and buyers.

Farm and forest managers as well as financial institutions in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia can apply to work with us. We hope to expand our finance work to include tourism businesses in the future.

First, review our list of requirements* to see if you qualify:

1. Your farm or forestry business must be Rainforest Alliance Certified or in the process of implementing the Sustainable Agriculture Network or Forest Stewardship Council standards.
2. Prove that there is a specific credit need required to improve productivity on your farm or plantation, identify the finance beneficiary and describe the conditions of the cooperative or association you represent.
3. Commit to working with Rainforest Alliance staff and following all necessary processes to improve the funding situation of your organization.

*Compliance with these requirements does not automatically guarantee access to our technical assistance.

Please contact Michelle Buckles (Global, Africa, Asia) or Alexandra Tuinstra (Latin America) for more information.