Manos Campesinas was founded in 1997 and has been exporting coffee beans to the US and Europe since 1998. An umbrella organization owned by the 9 farmer cooperatives that it represents, Manos Campesinas has been a valuable advocate and advisor to the farmers in the regions of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Chimaltenango, and Solola.
The name Manos Campesinas translates as ‘in the hands of the small farmers’.
Today Manos Campesinas is made up of over 1,100 members. Women Farm owners make up 23% of the membership. The majority of these farmers each own less than 2 1/4 acres of coffee crop.
Their work focuses on helping groups of farmers with the organizational and administrative improvements needed for efficient business; marketing and sales support in the world market; and valuable technical assistance to maximize each farmer’s coffee production as well as maintain good stewardship over the land. They also help to “fill in the gap” when it comes to securing the finances needed for investment in improving coffee yields for their membership.
The organization holds an annual general assembly where the use of the Fairtrade premium is discussed and approved. They also have a yearly development plan to organize and monitor the use of their funds. Manos
Campesinas have successfully supported the development of their communities
and business through a number of infrastructure, training, social and
environmental projects:
-Productivity and training:
Farmers have been given training workshops on Fairtrade standards and credit
is available to members to improve productivity.
-Women and gender:
Each cooperative in the union has an active women’s organization. Manos
Campesinas supports gender equality as a founding principle. They have
women’s training programs and encourage female participation at all levels.
-Environment and water:
Protecting the environment is one of the organization’s key values. All their land
is under water conservation measures, and they have done environmental and
climate change risk assessments. Members are trained in biodiversity
techniques and land is set aside to encourage biodiversity.
-Community and cooperative infrastructure:
Thanks to the Fairtrade premium, Manos Campesinas have been able to
improve the infrastructure of their cooperatives and local communities. In 2015
they bought new land to build extra drying beds and develop their office
infrastructure. They have also improved the roads of their communities, and
purchased vehicles to help producers transport their coffee.
This coffee is medium bodied, with floral aromas, flavours of milk chocolate, vanilla, nuts and a hint of spice. It has a crisp acidity, with a good lingering finish.
-Region: San Marcos and Tajamulco Volcano
-Elevation: 1000 – 1900m
-Varietals: Typica, Caturra, Bourbon
-Process: Washed, Patio Dried
-Harvest Period: November – March
-Certification: Fair Trade, Organic
-Roast Profile: Medium/Espresso
Ideal for all pressurized methods ie Espresso or Stovetop, or for filter methods such as Plunger.
Also suitable for all filter methods; Chemex, V60, Aeropress, Clever, Swiss Gold, Moccamaster, Cold Drip/Brew, if you prefer a darker more full bodied taste.
