ETHIOPIA

We already know that coffee transcends national and international boundaries and Banko Gotiti washing station demonstrates just that. According to political boundaries, the station is in Gedeo Zone but according to the congruence of microclimates and tastes, the station and the farms that deliver to it are in Yirgacheffe. This Natural from Banko Gotiti station is bursting with the delicate florals, jammy berries and warming chocolates we all know and love from Yirgacheffe.

Farming methods in the region remain largely traditional. Yirgacheffe farmers typically intercrop their coffee plants with other food crops. This method is common among smallholders because it maximizes land use and provides food for their families. In addition to remaining traditionally intercropped, most farms are also organic-by-default. Farmers in Yirgacheffe typically use very few — if any — fertilizers or pesticides. Most farm work is done manually by the immediate family. To capitalize on the magnificent climate, the station provides training to help farmers produce better quality cherry. Training focuses on procedures for harvesting and transporting cherry.

Farmers selectively handpick cherry and deliver it to Banko Gotiti washing station. At the station, employees hand sort incoming cherry to remove any under- or over-ripes or damaged cherry. All accepted cherry is then laid to dry in thin layers on raised beds for approximately 21 days. The station has 89 drying beds and each bed is marked with a code that makes it simple to keep track of traceability and processing status.