At NVLTY Coffee Co, we believe that great coffee starts with great people. Our partnerships with coffee co-ops around the world are a testament to this belief. Today, we’re highlighting three exceptional cooperatives—Café de Macizo, Mount Kilimanjaro Plantation, and AAPICUC—each dedicated to sustainability and community development. These co-ops not only produce outstanding coffee but also make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.
Café de Macizo: Cultivating Organic Excellence in Tolima
Founded in 2003, Café de Macizo is a cooperative of 60 members in Tolima, Colombia. Despite the region’s history of conflict, these farmers have committed to organic practices, producing certified coffees on over 300 hectares of land. With a production potential of 750,000 kilograms annually, Café de Macizo is a beacon of resilience and quality.
Sustainability Efforts:
- Organic Farming: Members use organic practices to cultivate coffee, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.
- Community Economic Fund: This fund supports farmers during challenging times, providing a safety net for the community.
Community Giving:
- Quality Improvement Program: Launched in 2012 and completed in 2021, this program helped raise overall cup scores to 83-84, funded by Fairtrade and Organic premiums, government funding, and member contributions.
- Infrastructure Development: The program included building drying houses, manual pulpers, and fermentation tanks, and planting higher quality coffee varieties.
Mount Kilimanjaro Plantation: Coffee Excellence from Tanzania
Nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this plantation thrives with its volcanic soil, indigenous shade trees, and glacier-fed rivers. The estate is dedicated to the well-being of both its coffee and its community, providing essential services and adhering to rigorous environmental standards.
Sustainability Efforts:
- UTZ Certification: The plantation meets the requirements of UTZ certification, continuously reviewing and improving its environmental practices.
- High-Altitude Cultivation: Coffee is grown at elevations of 2,000 – 2,500 meters, ensuring high-quality production.
Community Giving:
- Healthcare and Education: The plantation offers medical care, insurance, retirement plans, HIV training and testing, and scholarships for local schools.
- Community Projects: Significant investments are made in projects that benefit the community, harmonizing coffee quality with social responsibility.
AAPICUC: Cultivating Organic Coffee and Sustainability in Guatemala
Founded in 2011, the Asociación de Apicultores y Caficultores de Union Cantinil (AAPICUC) supports producers in cultivating organic coffee using environmentally sustainable methods. Located in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, members benefit from the region’s unique microclimate, which is perfect for coffee cultivation.
Sustainability Efforts:
- Organic Practices: AAPICUC members use organic methods to produce certified coffees, enhancing both quality and environmental health.
- Beekeeping Integration: Beekeeping complements coffee cultivation, increasing production by 20 to 25% through natural pollination.
Community Giving:
- Economic Support: A community economic fund helps farmers during difficult times, ensuring financial stability.
- Sustainable Water Use: Water used during processing is filtered to prevent contamination of local waterways, safeguarding the environment.
Conclusion
At NVLTY Coffee Co, we are proud to partner with these remarkable cooperatives. Their commitment to sustainability and community development not only produces exceptional coffee but also fosters a brighter future for their regions. With every cup of coffee you enjoy, you’re supporting these dedicated farmers and their invaluable contributions to their communities and the environment.