Looking to support women in coffee? Asociación Emprender de Productos Agrícolas y pecuarios Los Mangos (ASEMPROGROPE) boasts a board of directors with 80 percent of the positions held by women including the president of the board. As conflict in Tolima has subsided in recent years, locally organized associations have taken the lead in creating market access through certifications and best organic practices. ASEMPROGROPE has added another layer of differentiation with their focus on gender equality at all levels of the organization. With 68 producer-members, ASEMPROGROPE has invested in basic wet-mill infrastructure to improve quality and home improvement projects that directly improve the quality of life for coffee producers and their families. During the harvest, producers carefully harvest and sort cherries before depulping, fermenting, washing, and drying the coffee using their own micro-mills. Traceability and quality control throughout the post harvest process is also ensured because Mastercol, a Colombian exporter company and trusted Royal partner, prepare this coffee for export.
