LOS AMIGOS
DEL OSO PROJECT
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APROCOYCE
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1042 GROWERS

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.

Peru - Alpaca

The Amazonas region in northern Peru borders Ecuador and is known for its dense cloud forests, rugged Andes mountain terrain and ancient ruins. The native forests create a microclimate that produces organic matter for soil, microorganisms and fresh water. Such microclimates present perfect opportunities to grow coffee, and APROCOYCE offers its members the chance to increase the quality of their crop via improved access to services such as technical assistance, financial support, social services and the facilities to cup the crop they are growing. Formed originally with 23 partners but now standing at just over 380, the aim was to come together to help facilitate negotiations, enter new markets, and obtain licenses or certifications for the export of coffee. Through this they have been able bring in environmental initiatives such as reforestation projects, solid waste management and soil conservation plans for the 750+ hectares that their members own. They now stand as one of the largest cooperatives in the area with not only a warehouse and administration offices, but a coffee lab too, which was created in 2021.

Colombia - Planadas

Situated in the foothills of the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes, Planadas benefits from ideal altitudes, cool temperatures, plentiful sunshine and rain, and rich volcanic soils. Depsite perfect growing conditions, the region has a history of conflict and it has only been in recent years that the coffee industry in the area has been allowed to flourish. More women and young farmers are becoming increasingly involved in the region's traditional farming methods allowing for more organic production. This coffee is a selection of beans from a pool of 1042 growers in the Planadas region.