UGANDA Kinone FTO Unroasted Green Coffee Beans - 1kg

THE PRODUCERS:

Bukonzo Organic Farmers Co-operative Union was started in 2009 to try and increase the prices gained

by farmers for their coffee production. This region of SW Uganda has historically been made up of home

processed and natural coffees of lower commercial qualities. Recognising the excellent growing condi-

tions for arabica production, Bukonzo invested in 36 local micro washing stations designed to process high

quality fully washed coffees, as well as securing organic certification for their farmers. This approach has

allowed an increase in premiums reaching the farmers in what is one of the most impoverished parts of

the country, creating a sustainable industry for which they can provide for their families.

Bukonzo also place a large emphasis on environmental sustainability, using organic fertilisers from local

livestock and intercropping with bananas, beans, fruit trees, coco-yams, vanilla, passionfruit, and mango

trees.

THE ART OF PRODUCTION:

Red ripe cherries are carefully selected and delivered to the washing station on the day of harvest then

placed in a flotation tank to separate by density. The cherries which sink to the bottom (the highest quali-

ty) are separated for processing. After removing the outer pulp the coffee is fermented without water for

around 24 hours, depending on climatic conditions. The coffee parchment is then washed in clean water

channels. The wet parchment is dried in the sun on raised beds for 3 days, followed by shade drying until

the coffee has reached a moisture content of 12%. They must be frequently turned to ensure consistent

drying. The dried parchment is then devliered to the co-op’s central drymill and rested before being hulled,

graded by bean size and bagged in Grainpro for export.

THE REGION:

Situated at the feet of the Rwenzori mountains just north of Lake George, the region around Kasese has ex-

cellent conditions for speciality Arabica production with some of the highest altitude in Uganda, fertile soil

and plentiful rainfall. However widespread poverty and a lack of infrastructure, as well as the political up-

heavel in Uganda over the past 40 years has meant this region has struggled to realise its full potential for

speciality arabica production. Organisations such as Bukonzo Co-Operative are leading the way in realising

this potential and returning it to its status as a respected speciality arabica producing region in Uganda.