Ethiopia Biftu Gudina

The name “Biftu Gudina” translates to "ray of development," and represents the mission of this cooperative. It is located in the famed Limu region, located within the Djimma zone in the western highlands of Oromia, Ethiopia. The area is famous for its forests and abundant supply of water. The forests create the perfect conditions for the organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees to compost and return their nutrients to the soil. This cycle of dirt returning to dirt means hummus-rich soils that keep coffee trees well fed, producing quality cherries with dense seeds.

The cooperative purchases cherries from nearly 300 members. It has a reputation for excellence, as most of their coffees are classified as Grade 1, which have the fewest defects . The local populace are known as the Gomma people , and are renowned as excellent farmers who grow exceptionally clean coffee. Biftu Gudina only accepts cherries from its members, who are industry-trained in farming. They pay a premium for cherry at two points during the year, which is crucial to provide farmers with enough operating capital to perform quality work year-round.