COLOMBIA FT-USA ORGANIC NARIÑO TERRA WOMEN’S GROUP

Sourcing Details:

Want to support women in coffee? Huellas de Encanto is a group of 30 women producers from the Asociación Ecoterra SAS, who are working together to find an international market for their coffee.  Organizing as a group was a critical first step because these women are individually cultivating coffee on small farms of just a few acres.  The women have leaders from each community to establish a larger network of support.  The model of collaboration produces a traceable community blend with a vibrant regional profile.

Processing Details:

During the harvest, each producer follows a strict protocol which includes picking cherries at optimum ripeness, hand sorting, floating to remove damaged and undeveloped beans, depulping and fermenting.  Fermentation is done in sealed containers, creating a controlled environment for prolonged fermentations of up to 72 hours.  After fermentation, the parchment covered seed is washed and placed on patios or raised beds to slowly dry to 11%.

Exporting Details:

An export company called Mastercol provides crucial logistical support for things like warehousing and milling coffee for export to the international market, which provides better income for everyone to reinvest in their farms and strengthen their families’ livelihoods.  The women hope to use profits from selling their coffee to start an organic vegetable garden and farmers market where they can sell what they grow.