Ethiopian Sidamo Fairtrade Organic
Region: Sidamo - Oromia - OCFCU - OROMIA COFFEE FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE UNION
Grade: Grade 4 (size)
Screen Size: 17/15
Process Method: Fully Washed
Packaging: Coffee bags with valve
Appearance: Green
Tasting Notes: A heavy body with soft notes of berry, and tropical fruits throughout. This carries through to a leather, dark chocolate, and hazelnut finish.
Cupping Score: Internal Score: 84
The coffee growing regions of Sidamo lie in the famous Great Rift Valley that runs through Ethiopia and Kenya. The countryside is generally lush and green. Though mostly rural, this part of Ethiopia is very densely populated nonetheless. Several large fresh-water lakes dot the terrain, running in a long chain through the valley where most of the coffee grows.
Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
OCFCU (Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union) was founded in 1999 by 35 small certified organic co-operatives. Its members are indigenous farmers located in the vast Oromia State of southern Ethiopia. The farms are located in mountainous, rainforest areas at altitudes of 1500 - 2300 MASL. The OCFCU achieved Fairtrade certification in 2002, and has since grown to become the largest Fairtrade coffee producer in Ethiopia. The union has over 102,000 members. OCFCU members are dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and social justice within their communities. The goal of the organisation is to foster economic self-sufficiency amongst its members, to ensure that families can feed themselves when the harvest fails and famine threatens. It aims to maintain the quality of coffee production, while increasing income for farmers and strengthening the capacity of the organisation so that members are less vulnerable to external forces such as price volatility. Women hold a prominent position within all facets of the organisation. OCFCU operates under an Auction Market Waiver which allows it to export directly to specialty markets around the world. This means it can bypass both middleman and the Ethiopian coffee auction and achieve a much higher price for its members' coffee. OCFCU finances sustainable farming training for members, and has invested in several washing stations and machinery to process washed coffee. They have funded the construction and operation of four local health clinics and established 56 clean water supply stations for coffee-growing communities. The OFCFU is also a founding member of the Cooperative bank of Oromia, which runs a credit program to producers. OCFCU members cultivate their coffee in bird and forest-friendly conditions and employ organic agricultural techniques, such as intercropping with food crops to enhance soil fertility. The ripest coffee cherries are selectively handpicked and processed to ensure superior quality.
Ethiopian Coffee Culture
In Ethiopia, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a cornerstone of community and well-being, deeply ingrained in the fabric of everyday life. From the lush highlands to bustling city streets, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, beckoning friends and neighbors to gather. Here, the tradition of coffee transcends mere consumption; it's a ritual of connection, a time-honored symbol of hospitality and warmth. Families come together to roast and grind beans, sharing stories and laughter as they prepare the perfect brew. This shared experience fosters bonds that extend far beyond the confines of the coffee ceremony, nurturing a sense of belonging and solidarity within communities. Through its coffee industry, Ethiopia not only sustains livelihoods but also cultivates a profound sense of unity, ensuring that the essence of togetherness remains at the heart of its cultural identity.
