NICARAGUA ORGANIC SJ RIO COCO FUENTE DE BENDICION SHG EP – 33067 – May 2024 Shipment – RCWHSE

Coffee Background

Sourcing Details

Nicaragua's rich coffee culture is deeply rooted in cooperative structures, particularly to support production from small farms. A prime illustration is Cooperativa Agropecuaria Fuente de Bendición R.L. (CAFB R.L), with dedicated coffee producers located in the municipality of San Juan del Rio Coco, Department of Madriz.  These producers follow organic farm management practices on farms that are typically cultivated coffee on just a few acres of land intercropped with shade trees, bananas, corn, and beans.

Processing Details.

During the harvest, each producer practices selective picking with focus on picking only fully ripened cherries, which are then processed at the farm’s micro-mill. At the mill, the cherries are washed and floated to remove damaged and less dense coffee.  The selected cherries are then depulped, fermented, washed and gently dried and stored until it is time to prepare the coffee for export.

Cooperative Activities

CAFB invests in critical infrastructure, encompassing road improvements and the establishment of local warehouses.  CAFB also provides comprehensive technical support to farmers including guidance that starts with seed selection and extends to valuable assistance in navigating the certification process.  Through CAFB producers gain access to credit and income diversification programs like projects to increase production of organic fertilizers.

Exporting preparation

For the export preparation, dried coffee in parchment is transported to the Arabigos Finos de Nicaragua dry mill facility where coffee is received, cupped and selected for export.  Arabigos Finos de Nicaragua ensures traceability and quality control throughout the post harvest process, which is a vital resource for establishing higher prices for producers.