Farmers - Peru, Penachi

The Region

The Penachi is about six hours North of the Coastal city of Chiclayo, Peru. Because the area is very desolate and remote, there is very little commercial activity beyond coffee and sustenance harvesting of tropical fruit and herbs. About 100 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, there is Andes Mountain Jungle, at an elevation between 110 and 1500 meters above sea level, that separates Peru from Equador. It is here, in these mountains, that our organic coffee is grown. This area is without modern technology. Most villages, even one half hour from the main North / South highway, have only gravel roads with no electricity or telephone communication systems. But it is here, in this poorest of areas, that the farmers are working the hardest. With cooperation and commitment, we have been able to bring technological assistance to train them in active organic growing practices to improve their harvesting, processing, and drying methods, so their coffee will meet our quality standards.

The People

The people are from a very traditional Inca Indian culture, very proud of their heritage, and proud to pass that heritage onto their children. It is here, in the Penachi region, that we had the first "Organic Coffee Festival" and the crowning of the Queen of Cafe Organico!" We danced, we feasted, and we celebrated. This was one of the most rewarding and memorable moments in the many years of developing organic coffee projects. The people are in need of medical facilities, education, books, adequate roads, electricity, and so much more. Because of improvements and commitment to the quality of their coffee, they are taking steps to begin enhancing their lives and communities. The growers group has grown to nearly 300 certified organic farms in the Penachi region.

The Coffee

This coffee is OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association) certified organic shade grown coffee. This organic coffee group is also certified Fair Trade. When you try this coffee, you will be taken by surprise and immediately recognize the hard work that has gone into this fine coffee. It is bright and lively, with good acidity, medium body and with a pleasurable sweet finish.

Frequently Asked Questions