Discover a transformative programme designed to enhance market access and empower agrifood enterprises in Colombia and Costa Rica.
Access new markets in the agrifood sector
A practical toolkit for MSMEs — and the organisations supporting them — packed with a self-assessment guide, tips, resources, and real-world success stories to build pathways to new markets.
Unlocking markets and promoting resilience
At AXES, we enable agrifood enterprises in rural Colombia and Costa Rica to reach new heights. By unlocking markets and promoting sustainable supply chains, we drive economic growth and foster community well-being – creating vibrant and resilient agricultural ecosystems.
agrifood SMEs supported in Colombia and Costa Rica
participants adopting sustainable practices or certifications
The essential role of sustainable agrifood practices
An estimated one-third of agrifood exports flow through global supply chains, where deforestation often begins. Businesses across these chains play a crucial role in reducing deforestation risks.
Colombia, a leading commodity producer, lost 1.5 million hectares of rainforest between 2002 and 2019, with agriculture contributing 7% to GDP and 17% to employment. However, the sector struggles with low-quality jobs and an aging workforce.
In contrast, Costa Rica has balanced economic growth with sustainability, achieving a 4.2% annual GDP increase since 1987.
The Brunca Region, a key agricultural hub, showcases potential for sustainable practices and new technologies, drawing local and international investment. Both countries highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture in protecting forests and improving livelihoods, urging businesses to adopt deforestation-free practices.
Pathways to success
Our programme offers three transformative routes, designed to enhance market access, drive sustainable growth, and empower agrifood enterprises in rural Colombia and Costa Rica.
Pathway 1: Ecosystem
Igniting change with 4 to 5 ecosystem initiatives, we collaborate with enterprises and stakeholders to enhance market access and drive sustainable growth.
Pathway 2: Accelerator
Propelling 45 high-potential agrifood enterprises in Colombia and Costa Rica toward new market opportunities, providing the support needed for expansion and success.
Pathway 3: Bootcamp
Empowering 150 MSMEs in Colombia and Costa Rica, our bootcamp supports deforestation-free and sustainable supply chains. We help these businesses adopt sustainable and digital practices, setting them on a path to success.
Programme impact
The Andinorganic association
Based in Valle del Cauca, is transforming the coffee industry. This project focuses on improving production, collection, and commercialisation, especially by supporting women and victims of the armed conflict in Colombia.
In just one year, it has:
- Established connections with coffee roasters in countries such as Poland and Italy.
- Created real commercialisation opportunities in the European market.
Café Gourmet de Tobosi
Based in Cartago, is taking specialty coffee from Costa Rica to new horizons. Known for its high-quality production and commitment to sustainability, the company is actively seeking to position itself in international markets.
In just one year, it has:
Identified a high-potential market opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
Begun addressing financing needs to expand production capacity.
Formed a productive linkage with fellow SME Café Bijagua to place its monthly production surplus and strengthen local collaboration.
Current financing processes for agrifood activities rarely factor in environmental and gender risks, limiting the ability of financial institutions to identify potential negative impacts on nature, evaluate opportunities for sustainability, and advance gender equity.
Agrorisk aims to embed nature, biodiversity, and gender dimensions into credit and investment decisions in Costa Rica’s agricultural sector. By testing new approaches with financial institutions, AgroRisk will help create more resilient, transparent, and sustainable financing practices that benefit SMEs and ecosystems alike.
Expected outcomes include:
- Local institutions adopting AgroRisk within their credit or investment assessments.
- Increased investments directed toward sustainable agrifood projects.
- SMEs improving or developing sustainable practices by leveraging new financing opportunities.
For many Colombian agrifood SMEs, reaching international buyers is a challenge: limited recognition of their products, lack of trust in new markets, and the high upfront costs of export promotion often create barriers.
This initiative adapts the Europe Enterprise Network (EEN) to the specific needs of Colombian SMEs, building local support mechanisms and affordable “soft-landing” services to connect businesses with trusted buyers abroad. Already, 15 agrifood SMEs are featured on the EEN platform, the first step toward forging new commercial partnerships.
Expected outcomes include:
- More Colombian SMEs engaging with or forming partnerships with international buyers.
- Increased access to diverse international markets.
- Growth in export revenues among participating SMEs.
Empower the agrifood future: partner with us for lasting impact.
We invite innovative private and public sector partners to collaborate with us in bringing transformative ideas to life. Together, we can drive pioneering solutions and significantly impact the sustainable agrifood industry.
Our partners in change
