Sourcing Details:
There is nowhere like Costa Rica when it comes to coffee cooperatives and Cooperativa de Caficultores de Dota R.L (CoopeDota), which was established in 1960, is one of the finest. It starts with an unmatched commitment to the environment. CoopeDota has a first of its kind certified carbon-neutral mill, which features hydro-powered energy consumption, water efficient eco-pulpers (also called a demucilager), and mechanical coffee dryers fueled by coffee parchment. CoopeDota is equally passionate about gender equity, which is evident from this lot produced by women.
Processing Details:
The group of women producers living throughout the canton of Dota within the province of San Jose, Costa Rica have organized their efforts to produce this lot. Like any of the CoopeDota lots, these women spend most of the year focused on farm management. During the harvest the group of women shift their attention to selecting their best cherries for delivery to the CoopeDota mill where traceability and quality control are second to none. Using recycled water throughout, coffee cherries are floated to remove damaged and less dense beans, then depulped, and dried on patios. The honey process skips the washing step, which also saves on water consumption. Next, the coffee is rested for a period of at least a month in silos and then milled for export with a series of machines dedicated to dehulling and sorting green beans by weight and color.
Cooperative Activities:
CoopeDota also has an intricate model of income diversification with a profitable agriculture supply store and tourism department dedicated to showcasing coffee farms to visitors. They also roast their own coffee and operate three cafes and also have a cupper/barista training center. Their commitment to the environment also extends to the community of Santa Maria de Dota where the cooperative manages trash pickup for the entire town.
