MEXICO FT-FLO ORGANIC CHIAPAS KULAKTIK

Here is an opportunity to support an organization of producers from the Central Highlands of Chiapas, known locally as Los Altos de Chiapas. KULAKTIK, SC DE RL DE CV is a cooperative that was formed in 1992 and has grown to over 150 members living in 23 communities within Tenejapa, Oxchuc, Chenalho, and Cancuc municipalities in the department of Chiapas. Most producers have indigenous roots to Mayan Tzeltal and continue to speak their native language Kulaktik. Processing Details: Producers cultivate coffee on farms that average just a few acres in size, small enough for each producer to process their own coffee with their own micro-mill. During the harvest, each producer practices selective picking with focus on picking only fully ripened cherries, which are then processed with 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 details: KULAKTIK provides crucial support to small producers. KULAKTIK has helped producers gain access to credit and certifications. Investments for basic infrastructure needs, like road improvements, and coordination efforts to export through the Cooperative Majomut, which ensures traceability and quality control throughout the post-harvest process. Their collective efforts have established higher prices and more producer income to support best agricultural practices and improved livelihoods.