Projects: Teaming with the Farmers

Sustainable coffee production is achieved when the quality of the coffee is such that it demands market premiums. Each year Jungle Tech returns revenue to the farmers in the form of physical farm improvements and continuing farmer education that will further enable them to produce quality coffee.

The following are examples of the projects we have invested in:

1. Moisture Analyzers

When we began our work in Peru, we noticed that the farmers had no accurate way to measure the moisture content of their coffee during the drying process. As a result, they were not drying their coffee enough and storing it wet; both of which contribute to a dirty, musty taste. In the year 2000, we purchased a Brazilian Goel moisture analyzer and in 2001, two American Dickey John multi-grain analyzers for them to use.

2. Solar Dryers

Sporadic rains are common during the harvest season, which makes it difficult to consistently sun dry coffee. Before the 2001 harvest season, we invested in buying each Café Selvanica farmer solar dryers (transparent tarps), which allows them to continue to dry the coffee, even when it's raining. The project was so successful that we are continuing this process with our Café Inkaico and Café Amanecer farmers in Cusco.

3. Pulper Refurbishing

Hand pulpers need to be refurbished every two to three years. The jackets (the rough steel plate that wraps around the pulper barrel to scrape the pulp off the cherries) and barring cases are the most common replacement items. At the request of our Cusco farmers, we have teamed together to subsidize the refurbishing of their pulpers. We buy replacement parts in large quantities in Lima and divide them with our farmers for a much cheaper price than they can obtain them for in the provinces. This project began in 2002.

4. Cupping

A major obstacle for Peruvian farmers is that many of them have never tasted their own coffee, let alone drink it on a regular basis. We continually roast farmers' coffee and introduce them to 'cupping' (taste testing). Our desire is that one day each farmer will be able to cup their own coffees and know why it is good or defective.

Jungle Tech is also involved in two long-term projects concerning farmers' tasting skills. We are co-designing a fire roaster for the farmers' use. Without electricity or access to liquid combustibles, farmers do all their cooking over wood fires. Our dream is that one day each farmer will be able to roast their own coffee, hand grind it, and brew up a French press for daily use. Lastly, we are participating in a project to place cupping laboratories in the farming regions which will be open for the farmers' use.

5. Continual Education

Peruvian coffee farmers are at a major disadvantage in the marketplace because they have no access to coffee education or world coffee market information. Rather than hide this information from farmers, we feel obligated to educate them as much as we can. Each visit we inform the farmers of farming and processing techniques to improve their harvest. We also inform them of global market changes which are affecting the local coffee markets (Such as the Coffee Commodities Price). Lastly, we continue to have meetings to teach and promote organic farming.

6. Mapping Community

In 2002, the Café Selvanica community requested that we financially assist them in mapping their entire coffee production. We were able to locate a reputable forestry company which, with modern GPS surveying equipment, was able to accurately measure each farmer's lot. In February 2003 the project will be completed. The data obtained is part of a larger goal to register the community land with the Peruvian government. We were also able to contract the company to study each farm and make suggestions for disease prevention and crop improvements.

7. Gifts From Our Clients

We cannot fail to mention the thousands of dollars our clients have contributed to the farming communities. For instance, many have donated cash for medical supplies. Farmers also have appreciated the opportunity to meet and learn from roasters who have taken the time to come and visit the farmers in the high jungle of Peru.