Nica Tropical Fern, S.A. (hereinafter "NTF") is a Nicaraguan-based family-owned company; established in 2016, it produces leather fern in Jinotega, in the northeastern part of the country.

PRODUCING

When NTF bought the plantation, there was a lot of work to do. The infrastructure on and around the plantation was in good condition. The storage and cooling facilities together with the packing area were thoroughly rebuilt. On the plantation, the top layer and old plants were excavated and replaced with new roots and plants; a new method of working was also implemented and future expansion of the plantation was already taken into account. These steps together with the right elevation and perfect climate have ensured that the plantation produces high quality and optimal amounts of leather fern throughout the year.

SUSTAINABLE WORK

NTF differs from other leathery producers in Central America in several ways. One important difference is that nowadays prevalent diseases in soil and crop are not prevented by the use of chemicals, but by the use of personnel. Internally trained personnel continuously monitor the plantation and are responsible for detecting possible disease outbreaks. This then allows a team of specialists to react accurately to the situation and quickly come up with solutions to prevent further spread. Here NTF has found an optimal mix of more personnel and less pesticides; more personnel also means better development of the socio-economic aspects in the immediate vicinity of the plantation.

Currently, NTF has over 90 staff members, > 50% of whom are women, contributing to the proper and equal development of the population in the region. NTF pays annual scholarships and school fees to children of employees.

In addition, NTF makes a significant contribution to the NicaFrance Foundation; this private, volunteer-run foundation has built about 5 elementary school in the region of Jinotega and Matagalpa where about 3,000 children are taught daily. It also provides daily meals for over 4,000 schoolchildren each day.

The NicaFrance Foundation in Nicaragua is one of the charities also supported by the WBE Group from the Netherlands.