Dimitra and National Coffee Cooperative Union Join Forces to Enhance Environmental Efforts in Kenya

Dimitra and NACCU Collaboration for a Sustainable Coffee Future

In a significant move towards sustainability in agriculture, Dimitra, a leading global entity in AgTech, has announced a strategic collaboration with the National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) in Kenya. This partnership aims to launch a comprehensive initiative focused on environmental compliance, carbon accountability, and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards within the country’s coffee value chain.

As of October 1, 2025, this initiative will become operational, paving the way for coffee farmers across Kenya—represented by over one million smallholders—to seamlessly integrate into a system designed for compliance with the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation is expected to change the dynamics of global agricultural exports, particularly affecting coffee, where evidence of sustainability and traceability will be paramount for market access.

Kenya's coffee industry relies heavily on the EU market, which constitutes more than half of its coffee exports. With stringent regulations on deforestation and traceability coming into force, the pressure on local farmers to adapt is immense. Many smallholder farmers currently face substantial hurdles, often lacking access to digital technologies and compliance resources. This partnership is poised to bridge this critical gap.

Dimitra's advanced AI-driven technology, particularly its Connected Coffee application, will enable farmers to register their farms digitally. The app will allow them to map their land using geolocation data, complete assessments of deforestation risks, and generate compliance reports aligned with EUDR requirements. This will ensure that farmers can meet the necessary standards while accessing premium markets.

The formal signing of this partnership took place on September 26, demonstrating strong commitment from both NACCU’s Board of Directors and local cooperative unions. Their involvement signifies a unified approach toward enhancing compliance and sustainability in Kenya’s coffee sector.

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The EUDR signifies a pivotal shift in global coffee trade dynamics, and Kenya is well-positioned to embrace this challenge. Our collaboration with NACCU not only prepares farmers for European environmental standards but also contributes to broader efforts in aligning agricultural exports with sustainable international frameworks.” He further added that the partnership fosters greater opportunities in carbon and ESG markets while enhancing local livelihoods.

Central to this initiative is the commitment to inclusivity. Farmers will be supported through mobile applications available in both English and Swahili, ensuring that even the most remote producers can participate and gain from these emerging global opportunities. By implementing offline-capable solutions, Dimitra and NACCU are actively working to mitigate digital exclusion, which could exacerbate inequalities in global trade.

Festus Bett, CEO of NACCU, remarked, “In an era where digital barriers threaten to widen disparity, this partnership exemplifies how targeted technology and grassroots coordination can collectively uplift millions of smallholder farmers and create a compliant coffee value chain. By equipping our farmers with essential tools and training to meet EU regulations, we are not just securing vital market access but also reaffirming our dedication to fostering transparent and sustainable agricultural practices.”

This initiative will not only assist farmers in complying with new regulations but also reinforce Kenya’s position as a leader in sustainable coffee production. As the implementation date draws near, all eyes will be on the outcomes of this transformative partnership between Dimitra and NACCU, which promises to bring significant improvements to the agricultural landscape in Kenya.

About Dimitra

Dimitra is at the forefront of AgTech innovation, dedicated to advancing the capabilities of smallholder farmers globally. By collaborating with crucial agricultural stakeholders—including government bodies, NGOs, and cooperatives—Dimitra integrates cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT to enhance productivity, minimize costs, and mitigate agricultural risks.

About NACCU

The National Coffee Cooperative Union of Kenya serves as a vital cooperative organization advocating for the rights and welfare of small-scale coffee farmers. Representing various secondary coffee cooperative unions, NACCU is committed to improving policy and trade conditions throughout the coffee value chain.