Torchbearers
Many years ago, the town of Argelia, Cauca, gained national recognition for its thriving wax industry. Businesses boomed, families prospered, and nature flourished during this period before wax prices fell precipitously. Farmers turned to other crops like coffee and sugar cane to mitigate the impact of a changing world. However, Argelia inevitably fell behind in terms of development, and it has mutated in recent years into the epicenter of the illegal drug trade. For this reason, it is important to roast, brew, and drink every last drop of this coffee.
For the leaders of the Farmers Association in Argelia (ASOPROA),“Coffee is life.” It is a crop which allows them to rebuild the social fabric of their communities and a harbinger of better things to come. It is also a means to protect the region's biodiversity, countering the toxic chemicals injected into the soil and water sources through illicit drug production. “Coffee is life,” as ASOPROA explains, is all-encompassing, yet so hard to achieve.
The leaders of ASOPROA have fought heroically to offer coffee farmers opportunities for licit livelihoods despite threats, violence, and hardship. The stern faith in their work is inspiring as they compete against the multi-billion dollar illicit drug trade.
It is an honor for Cosecha Traders to share ASOPROA’s coffee and story with partner roasters.
Producer Association: Argelia Producers Association (ASOPROA)
Department: Cauca
Shade Trees: Guamo, avocado, and citrus trees
Altitude: 1,500 - 1,600 MASL
Varietal: Colombia
Fermentation Time: 12 - 14 hours