Ethiopie

Farming methods in the region remain largely traditional. Yirgacheffe farmers typically intercrop their coffee plants with other food crops. This method is common among smallholders because it maximizes land use and provides food for their families.

In addition to remaining traditionally intercropped, most farms are also organic-by-default. Farmers in Yirgacheffe typically use very few—if any—fertilizers or pesticides. Most farm work is done manually by the immediate family.

To capitalize on the magnificent climate, that station provides training to help farmers produce better quality cherry. Training focuses on procedures for harvesting and transporting cherry.

Farmers selectively handpick cherry and deliver it to the washing station station. At intake, employees hand sort incoming cherry to remove any under- or over-ripes or damaged cherry.

Cherry is then pulped on the station’s disc pulper and fermented for 72 hours. After fermentation, parchment is washed in clean water and transferred to raised drying beds. The station marks all drying beds with a code that makes it simple to keep track of traceability and processing status.

Employees rake parchment frequently to ensure even drying.  It takes approximately 12 to 15 days for parchment to dry.