Fairtrade Nicaragua Women’s Cooperative

This Fairtrade coffee is grown and produced exclusively by women in the region of Jinotega, Nicaragua. In Jinotega, women have only 15% of the land titles. This ownership is key to accessing credit loans for production and other economic activities. Upon meeting certain quality standards, they receive a premium. This assists the women in obtaining legal title to their land and permitting a better quality of life for them, their families and in turn- the community as a whole.

About Aldea Global Association:

Aldea Global began in 1992 with 22 farmers. Today, the Association assists over 2000 families, most of which are Chorotega Indigenous Communities. They specialise in organic, shade-grown Speciality coffees (typically slower growing, developing deeper and more complex flavours in the process). The association promotes sustainable management of natural resources, rural health clinics, installation of portable water filters and integrated pest management programs. Aldea Global help farmers stay in harmony with their environment, while producing high quality, consistent and profitable products for the marketplace. They also facilitate the growth of profitable and sustainable businesses, promoting efficient commercialisation and alternative credit services that the small farms would not otherwise have access to.

Washed Process Explained:

The most popular way of processing coffee. The fruit flesh is mechanically removed with a machine known as a depulper, the beans are then put into a water tank to ferment. The amount of time it takes to ferment depends on climate factors such as altitude and temperature, in hotter regions the fermentation will be quicker and vice versa. The process typically takes between 24 – 72 hours. Once complete, the coffee beans are then dried on patios or raised beds.