Farmer’s Independence Day!
Welcome to CSA Friends, the new blog site of CoffeeCSA.org. It seems fitting that this site comes to life on July 4th, Independence Day in the United States. Independence is something at many of us take for granted today, yet it remains an elusive goal for more than half the world’s population – particularly those at the base of the economic pyramid – who have very few opportunities to generate enough income to be free to pursue their dreams.
As a subscriber to CoffeeCSA.org, you have elected to empower small-scale farmers by purchasing fresh coffee in the most direct way possible. And the farmer-owners of CoffeeCSA.org have taken the initiative to solve their own challenges by making great coffee harvests available to you. All in the pursuit of economic independence and beautiful coffee!
Today we make this site available to CoffeeCSA members, staff, friends and farmers alike. We encourage your participation and your testimonials to make CSA Friends a dynamic community of coffee farmers and coffee lovers. Gracias!
- Manuel Rodriguez of Nicaragua
The Farmer-of-the-Month
Manuel Rodriguez’s family farm is located to the northeast of Esteli and north of Matagalpa at GPS 13.54458, -86.16537. He grows his beans on 7 acres at an altitude of 3,400 ft. Growing only Arabica Bourbon his crop is of excellent quality. His coffee is clean with medium body and a sweet finish. There is a hint of cocoa as well as notes of vanilla. The aroma is strong with fruity cherry, hints of a floral bouquet.
His small farm is approximately 50 miles from Esteli, the nearest city and the home of PRODECOOP, which is the farmer cooperative where Manuel is a member-owner. His coffee is grown under a canopy of fruit and other shade trees using only organic methods and it is certified fairtrade. When his beans are harvested they are delivered to PRODECOOP where they are cupped, meaning they are tested and selected for the aroma and flavor profile. From there they are prepared for export to the United States. As of July 4, Manuel has sold 8% of his 2011 harvest made available at CoffeeCSA.org.
