March 28, 2016
Coffee being spread out and raked to ensure the coffee is being dried properly.
February 9, 2016
In the Atitlan region of central Guatemala, the Echeverria family has been producing and processing exceptional quality coffees since 1870. Originally named Finca Ceylan & Colima, the name was later changed to Finca Ceylan & Anexos (annexes) as other farms became a part of it. The farm hires mostly local labor, generating jobs for people in the surrounding towns. Conscientious environmental practices are employed in and around the farm. The coffee residue from the wet mill is used as an organic fertilizer for the farm, creating a self- sufficient system. To protect its abundant water resources, the farm maintains the river basins and the natural vegetation that grows nearby. Before disposal, the water used in the wet mill processing is filtered through oxidation tanks to prevent contamination of the nearby rivers. Finca Ceylan has a natural forest reserve that is protected – hunting and fishing are prohibited – to conserve different species of trees, plants, and wildlife in the ecosystem. The farm has qualified for organic certification and is also bird-friendly certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. The farm’s employees and their families are provided with housing, drinkable water, and educational benefits. The cultivation of alternative crops such as cardamom, macadamia nuts, bananas, and plantains also helps to provide for the well-being of the farm families.
Certifications: Organically Grown, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Smithsonian Bird Friendly
Location: San Miguel Pochuta, Guatemala
Farm: Finca Ceylan & Anexos
Altitude: 1,066 – 1,124 m
Varieties: Bourbon, Typica, Mundo Novo
Process: Fully Washed
Drying: Sun-dried on patios
Harvest: October – March
November 19, 2015
The Ethiopian Nigusse Lemma Limu comes from a family-owned farm in Meto Gundb, in the Limu region of southwestern Ethiopia. The farm owner, Lemma Edeto, began working with coffee nearly 60 years ago and has passed down his knowledge to his two sons Haile and Nigusse. Lemma recovered the farm after it had been confiscated by the Derg in the 1970’s. Now both sons are responsible to maintain the farm. The farm sits at about 2,000 meters above sea level with natural spring streams and native indigenous varietals. The Lemma family also processes their coffee, giving them full control over the finished product right up to the final export stage. In February 2014, Nigusse and his family were recognized for winning the African Taste of Harvest Competition, an award given by the African Fine Coffee Association.
November 11, 2015
The Cooperativa Cafe Timor (CCT) works with very small farms in East Timor. The majority of land owners own less than a hectare of land. The CCT was established in 1994 with the help of the USDA and NCBA. and in 2001, the cooperative obtained Fair Trade certification. The farms are located in Maubesse, an area of high altitude and a sub-district in the Ainaro district; Atsabe, in the Ermera district; the Lequisa district; and the Aifu region. The coffee from East Timor was originally planted over 400 years ago by Portuguese colonists. However, after an epidemic of coffee leaf rust, the replanting of plants occured and led to the creation of a new coffee varietal of Hibrido de Timor.
November 1, 2015
“OSCAR OMAR ALONZO-CUAL BICICLETA” FAIR TRADE
Don Oscar Omar started growing coffee in 1997, right after he finished his military service. With an initial 1500 trees and very high attention to detail, the farm produced high yields. However the low price levels in the coffee market in 2000 forced Don Oscar to examine other ideas in order to obtain higher premiums for his coffee. This is when he decided to become 100% organic. At the beginning the conversion from non-organic to organic farming cost him almost 90% of his production. But after receiving technical support from COMSA and using more organic fertilizer on his farm he was able to get back on his feet. Now, since the switch to fully organic production, his harvest levels are higher than ever. Don Oscar produces one of the finest and most complex coffees not only in the region, but in all of Honduras.