LOS AMIGOS
DEL OSO PROJECT
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JMFACU
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COMSA

WASHED
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WASHED
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NATURAL

Peru - Del Oso

The Los Amigos Del Oso Project was set up to help conserve forests near coffee-growing areas in the Santuario Nacional Tabaconas Namballe nature sanctuary in San Iganacio. The farms within the project are located in the buffer zones of a protected natural area, where spectacled bears and other highly endangered native animals are at risk due to illegal mining and deforestation. Working with an organic methodology and certifications are cornerstones of the project, as through these standards, a culture of protection of wildlife and species in danger of extinction is encourage. This balance with nature has involved the provision of native tree species for replanting and regenerating forest areas that require it. Coffee seedlings better suited to the forest environment are also provided so that they can be planted without removing native fauna.

The Project has also been building composting warehouses, reducing the need for fertiliser to be bought. This also reduces waste as the discarded cherry flesh from processing is broken down and recycled into natural fertiliser. These benefits allow for improvements in quality, but with the least possible impact on the environment.

Ethiopia - Limu

Jimma Farmers Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Union (JFMACU) is based in Ethiopia's Jimma Zone and is part of the Oromia Regional State, whose favourable tropical climate and abundant rainfall contribute to the distinctiveness of its coffee. Founded in 2004, the union started with 14 primary cooperatives and 7,818 members. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now consists of 212 cooperatives and 141,146 farmer members, covering over 11’000 hectares of coffee production area.

JFMACU holds various certifications including; Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and Café Practices, reflecting its dedication to sustainability. In addition to coffee production, JFMACU actively supports community development projects such as: constructing schools and health centres, providing clean water, and supporting educational initiatives. All these efforts aim to improve the living standards of farmers and their communities.

Honduras - Comsa Natural

Originally starting out as a group of 45 farmers in 2000, COMSA was officially founded as a cooperative in 2001 with 65 farmers. Within their first year they realised that there were distinct advantages to selling their coffee through the organic market. At a time when farmers in the area were abandoning their farms due to the global coffee price crisis the decision was made to focus on certified coffees and consequently, gain the premiums that having certification afforded. COMSA became Fairtrade certified in 2005, and their coffee is now produced 100% Fairtrade and Organic.

Although the average member farm is 3.8 hectares, COMSA have a 110 hectare farm called “Finca La Fortaleza” which they use to showcase how to effectively run an organic farm. They run week-long training camps at the farm, centred on organic best practises, and allow all their members to attend for free. On top of this, free help and support in becoming fully organic certified is offered to any producers wishing to join the cooperative.