Gachatha Farmers Co-operative Society was formed in 1963, and today has just over a thousand members, almost all active farmers. A typical member farm is 0.4 hectares, with 300 trees.
The factory itself supports 9 permanent staff, with around 25 seasonal workers to help with cherry reception, depulping, and drying.
The area surrounding Gachatha is densely populated, so every effort is made to minimize impact. The factory treats all water in soak pits to ensure no contaminates run into the local waterways, which are a source for drinking water.
The community also places great importance on protecting the indigenous trees that remain in the area, so that the local bird life can be sustained.
We’ve been looking forward to sharing this coffee since Reuben was there back in 2017, and to be supporting a cooperative which shares our values around community and the environment.