Colombia, ASOPEP Tolima

A flourishing organization of 168 coffee farming families, 30 of which have female heads of the households, and 30% of the co-operative members are under 30 years. The Asociación de Productores Egológicos de Planadas (ASOPEP) is one of the few producers of certified Fair Trade and Organic coffee in Colombia.Tolima is one of the most productive coffee producing regions in Colombia, but the ASOPEP co-operative is relatively new to the Specialty Coffee market. The town of Planadas is only 50 years old, established in 1966 with the first families to settle in the region coming from Antigua and Huila, both very well-known coffee growing regions. The region has fantastic weather, with warm days and cool nights, and healthy young trees.

Recruitment by FARC in the area was common, but with a focus on education and youth collectives focusing on barista training, tasting experience, quality control, business management, and science and technology. They recognize the value and challenges, of keeping their young people in the rural areas, a sad reality in many coffee growing countries. Strict attention to detail in growing, harvesting and processing ensures a bright, clean cup that is complex and consistent.