In order to extend its climate-resilient farming projects, Mountain Hazelnuts has obtained an equity investment of USD 7.9 million. Mountain Hazelnuts wants to help rural communities while establishing a profitable and sustainable enterprise. In 19 dzongkhags, the firm is restoring degraded mountain slopes by planting 10m hazelnut trees in collaboration with over 8,000 smallholder farmers in Bhutan. Because all harvested nuts are bought under a fixed-price system, this program reduces market risks and guarantees growers a profit. The company intends to update production facilities, increase the scope of climate adaptation grafting programs, and acquire international certifications including organic and rainforest alliance certifications. Additionally, funding improves its market stance, enabling it to command premium prices for Bhutanese hazelnuts around the world.
Since 2020, Mirova has collaborated closely with Mountain Hazelnuts to support its operations, according to Antoine Raes, director of investments for Mirova. According to Ilkka Norjamäki, associate director of Finnfund, this is the organization’s first investment in Bhutan and will help the development of regenerative and sustainable agriculture. Bhutan will become a major participant in sustainable agriculture as a result of the investment, which guarantees five years of fully supported growth and supports Mountain Hazelnuts’ goal of fusing environmental restoration with economic development.
