COLOMBIA - EL TAMBO

Farm: 64 Smallholder producers - AMACA woman producers 

Varietal: Colombia & Castillo 

Process: Washed

Altitude: 1750-1950 Metres above seal level 

Town: El Tambo

Region: Cauca

The municipality of El Tambo is located in the western reaches of the Department of Cauca, bordering with Tolima and Huila, and looking out to the west over the Pacific Ocean. Nestled in the Andes, El Tambo has high altitudes, delicate climates, and rich soils, making it an ideal place for coffee production. Much like many areas of Colombia.

A women's movement was founded by Luz Marina Sánchez and Luzmila Potosí in El Tambo thirty years ago, to mobilise the women coffee producers in the region. Thus, the Association of Women Agricultural (AMACA) was born, and continues to provide women in this area of Colombia with the tools to grow exceptional coffee, whilst also providing access to international and speciality markets. Today, the group is home to 64 women, all working diligently to grow some amazing coffee in El Tambo. 

These women were actually the first to advocate for speciality coffee in the region, and through careful study, dedication, and care, their coffee began to gain prominence worldwide. The AMACA have revealed that through hard work; dreams and visions can be attained. Thanks to their efforts, more income has come to their communities, and excellent coffee has prospered, giving women of all ages a chance to become a successful coffee producer.

This lot is comprised of Colombia and Castillo, which are carefully handpicked during the harvest at each of the 64 farms. The producers have their own mills onsite, where the coffee is pulped via machine, fermented to allow for the breakdown of the remaining mucilage, and dispersed to dry on raised beds under protective plastic. Once the coffee is dried, it is gathered and sent to the Pergamino dry mill in Medellín, to be hulled and prepared for export.