Nano Challa Cooperative

In 2010, producers in Ethiopia’s Jimma Zone were chosen to be part of the Technoserve Coffee Initiative to receive technical assistance and financing to produce fully washed coffees. Through this program, coffee farmers in the area came together to form an official producer cooperative, Nano Challa. Prior to this, farmers in this area—many of who are third-generation farmers with two to three hectares of land—produced mostly lower-grade, natural-processed coffees.

The transition to washed coffees was a turning point for these farmers. In 2010, Nano Challa purchased a wet mill with a Penagos 500 depulping machine and produced washed coffee for the first time. Their parchment is soaked overnight, washed, and then sun-dried on raised beds. In just one year, the Nano Challa Cooperative repaid their loans with the high prices they received for their coffee. Their success continues to draw more area farmers to the cooperative. Originally just 25 members in 2004, the group has grown to over 900 producers, adding a second wet-mill to accommodate the growth, and upgrading their Penagos equipment.

In this area, large tracts of pristine forests shade tall, spindly, and wild coffee trees. These coffee farms contain an unknown number of indigenous varieties brought from the forest and culled over generations. In addition to coffee, the Gera Forest is also known for honey production. Nano Challa shares both gifts of the forest with the world.

Stumptown began purchasing coffees from these cooperatives in 2011, and we’re consistently impressed with the quality and profile of this cup and the achievements of the people.