Guatemala

This coffee comes from the Asociación Barillense de Agricultores (ASOBAGRI) in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala. The spectacularly rugged terrain has served to preserve the indigenous heritage, distinct clothing, and dialects that can vary from one mountain ridge to the next. In this cultural oasis, ASOBAGRI has become an important bridge to the international coffee community. This cooperative consists of more than 1,400 members, spread across 80 communities, who cultivate and harvest their own coffee on small farms with their own micro-mills. Promoting gender equality throughout the organization has been a shining success at ASOBAGRI. This particular lot called Las Dueñas Cafe is the culmination of an integrated program for 182 female members of ASOBAGRI. The program includes 5 women technicians providing training and technical support that is appropriately tailored to the needs of the members. Strategies like using coffee pulp to make fertilizers reduces the transportation costs associated with purchasing fertilizer from afar, and at the same time, creates an abundant source of plant nutrition that ensures better yields and quality. Income diversification investments in chicken farms, avocado trees and local cafeterias have also strengthened the options for women members.The arabica coffee varietals of Bourbon, Catimor, Catuai and Caturra are grown at 1400 masl. The coffee is fully washed and patio dried.