Improving coffee production

Sustainably minded coffee roasters look for Grower Direct relationships with farmers and co-ops to assist them in improving the quality of their crops, which helps them get more money for their coffee with the goal of improving working and living conditions for the farmers in the region.

The Colombia Las Hermosas™ project

An example of one of the Grower Direct coffees on CoffeeMarvel is Reunion Island Coffee’s Colombia Las Hermosas™ project. Reunion Island reports this relationship “started in 2004 when we discovered an exceptional Colombian coffee from a farming co-op in the South Tolima region. To support this co-op, we have committed to donating to projects that improve the standard of living, while ensuring a consistent supply of world-class coffee for our customers.

“In 2005, we donated funds to the construction of parabolic drying beds for 200 small family farms. Our second project was to outfit a cupping lab in Ibague with the equipment required for coffee quality analysis. The lab is used to train farmers in the art of cupping.

“The lab is used to train farmers in the art of cupping. Until recently, many of the regions’ coffee farmers had never tasted their own coffee! By learning to cup their coffees, they are able to understand what buyers are looking for in higher-priced specialty coffees. Improving their quality increases demand for their beans and yields higher prices, creating a sustainable system.

“As a result of these projects, farmers from the Las Hermosas co-op entered beans in the national Cup of Excellence competition and placed 1st, 3rd and 7th. This year, we will be supporting the installation of new sanitation systems at four rural schools to protect local water sources and create a healthier school environment.”