Ucumari - Colombia

Our first coffee to be shipped by sailing ship from South America to Europe with TOWT sailing ships - we save CO2, protect maritime life from noise and use wind energy.

Organic coffee from Colombia with many of the classic virtues that characterize the country. Pleasant acidity with a good base of light chocolate. Good as filter coffee and in a french press.

Tasting notes: Grapefruit, hazelnuts, creamy chocolate
Indicators: Roast 3/5 – Acidity 3/5 – Sweetness 3/5
Blend: Colombia
Process: Washed
Producer: Federacion de Campesinos del Cauca (FCC)
Region: Ucumari, Cajibio, Cauca, Colombia
Certification: Organic

Colombia's Federacion de Campesinos del Cauca (FCC), based in the Pubenza Valley, is dedicated to improving the living conditions of farmers in Cauca, promoting dignified lives, peacebuilding, rights and sustainable development. The Federation boasts a diverse team that includes administrative staff, agricultural technicians, community educators and volunteers, a total of 15 dedicated individuals who focus on rural development and advocate for the rights of local farming communities. Currently, 358 producers benefit from the Federation’s programs and services, including training and marketing support to improve the quality and yield of their coffee crops.
Recent projects by the Cauca Farmers’ Federation aim to improve the quality of life for farmers, promote sustainable farming practices and strengthen the local economy.

Key initiatives include:
1. Sustainable Agriculture Training Program: This offers workshops and courses on sustainable farming practices, soil management, biological pest control and organic farming techniques. The goal is to increase productivity and sustainability on members’ farms.
2. Empowerment Program for Women and Young Farmers: This initiative includes specific projects aimed at supporting women and young farmers through entrepreneurship and leadership training, with the aim of strengthening women’s roles in rural areas and improving their economic independence.
3. Community Reforestation Project: This involves planting trees in degraded areas and protecting water bodies to mitigate climate change and ensure water supplies to local communities.

These projects exemplify the commitment of the Caucasia Farmers’ Union to sustainable development and the well-being of its communities, ensuring a brighter future for farmers in the region.
The farmers have chosen to produce the Caturra, Colombia, Typica and Castillo varieties, mainly due to their ability to thrive in harmony with nature, adaptability to the area, their excellent development under optimal conditions. Since 2014, they have stopped using pesticides and are switching to organic/regenerative farming. Many are already certified and now produce their own raw materials in an organic factory that also supplies other farmers who grow crops.  
The association is independent and has a strong influence on its local community. Although coffee remains their primary focus, they are diversifying by producing honey with beehives installed on their members' farms. Contrary to national recommendations, all affiliated farmers grow coffee in the shade.