The $40 million Coffee Trust which was approved by the Costa Rican Congress last year, and is awaiting final approval from the Comptroller's Office, will open four credit programs with maximum interest rates of 6%. Producers who harvest less than 100 quintals per period and who were affected by rust in 2012 will benefit the most.

"Loans offered for help with planting will have a maximum amount of $6000, for pruning a limit of $10,000, for renovation of coffee plantations up to $30,000 and refinancing of debts up to $25,000."

According to the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (iCafe), "the loans for pruning will have a five year term, with a two years grace period. In the loan program for renewal of plantations, the term will be 8 years, with a three year grace period."

"Producers will also be able to borrow money to refinance their debts with other entities. The rate will be 6%, with a period of eight years and a three year grace period."

Source: Nacion.com

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