PRODUCER: Bukonzo organic farmers cooperative

PROCESS:  Washed

REGION: Rwenzori Mountains

VARIETAL: SL14, SL28

ALTITUDE: 2000-2100 MASL

Tasting Notes:  Notes of cascara and prunes with juicy body and long lasting brazil nuts finish.

About The Coffee

Bukonzo Organic Farmers Co-operative Union was started in 2009 to try and increase the prices gained by farmers for their coffee production.

This region of SW Uganda has historically been made up of home processed and natural coffees of lower commercial qualities. Recognising the excellent growing conditions for arabica production, Bukonzo invested in 36 local micro washing stations designed to process high quality fully washed coffees, as well as securing organic certification for their farmers.

This approach has allowed an increase in premiums reaching the farmers in what is one of the most impoverished parts of the country, creating a sustainable industry for which they can provide for their families. Bukonzo also place a large emphasis on environmental sustainability, using organic fertilisers from local livestock and intercropping with bananas, beans, fruit trees, coco-yams, vanilla, passionfruit, and mango trees.

Situated at the feet of the Rwenzori mountains just north of Lake George, the region around Kasese has excellent conditions for speciality Arabica production with some of the highest altitude in Uganda, fertile soil and plentiful rainfall. However widespread poverty and a lack of infrastructure, as well as the political upheaval in Uganda over the past 40 years has meant this region has struggled to realise its full potential for speciality arabica production. Organisations such as Bukonzo Co-Operative are leading the way in realising this potential and returning it to its status as a respected speciality arabica producing region in Uganda.