CoopeAgri, one of the largest farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, was founded in 1962 by 391 small-scale farmers with the aim of bringing development opportunities to their communities. Today they have over 8,000 members growing coffee on plots averaging 1.3 hectares and employing 700 workers.
This lot originates from the highlands around Cerro Chirripó in the Pérez Zeledón region, known for its mountainous terrain and volcanic soil. It involves 200 producer associates from 7 selected towns, cultivating 250 hectares between December and February. The farmers meticulously harvest the ripest cherries, which are then delivered to a nearby wet mill.
Processing begins with washing the cherries to remove debris, followed by de-pulping and then removing the remaining mucilage from the beans mechanically. The coffee is then dried using mechanical dryers. Finally, it undergoes hulling, density sorting and colour sorting.
CoopeAgri is dedicated to supporting their members and improving the well-being of farming communities. Projects such as building medical offices for access to healthcare and creating an agronomy support program demonstrate this commitment. The co-op also produces organic fertiliser for members so that they can maintain ecologically healthy farms and runs a local café showcasing their coffees.
