This organic and fairly traded coffee is
grown in the highlands of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, a region
long known for producing excellent coffee. In
1997, La Central de Cooperativas
Cafetales del Norte (CECOCAFEN) was formed consisting of 2,078
small-scale coffee farmers.
Fair-trade revenues helped CECOCAFEN
finance a solar processing plant, SOLCAFE, which is now the
leading mill in the area. A quality control laboratory was
installed in 2002. The co-op has also contributed to the
construction of a hydro-electric plant, funded improvements to
roads to remote towns, as well as the construction of a school
and 25 homes. Additionally, $28,000 worth of school
supplies were provided to children in rural primary schools and
a literacy program has taught many members to read and write.
The co-op also built a community health center and has
subsidized eye glasses and medical exams for many members and
their families.
CECOCAFEN runs a farm diagnosis program
which analyzes soils and helps farmers adjust their methods to
environmental conditions. The co-op provides training for its
members in organic and shade cultivation, terracing, soil
conservation, and crop diversification.
Hundreds of women participate in
CECOCAFEN's savings and loan program. Organized into independent
groups, women use the funds to invest in activities that provide
income diversification and food security.
About this certified coffee: Each
bag has a certified paper trail leading back to the CECOCAFEN
co-op, confirming that the coffee
was grown organically and responsibly, and the
workers receive fair compensation for their hard work.
Your coffee is not
roasted until we receive your order, guaranteeing the
freshest coffee possible.
Nicaraguan
coffee is also available in our
Light n Lively Sampler
