AMUCC: Association of Women Coffee Growers of Cauca

A new coffee with a terrific back story.

We have been experimenting and tasting and roasting with a new coffee from a very untypical source. This new coffee, called Manos Mujeres, comes from a co-op of 274 women producers from a range of growing regions in Colombia like Balboa, Caldono, La Vega, and Timbio.

In the heart of Colombia’s Cauca department, a group of 274 female coffee growers have united under the banner of Asociación de Mujeres Caficultoras del Cauca or Association of Women Coffee Growers of Cauca (AMUCC). These dynamic women, with an average age of 40, have gone against the traditional trend of younger generations abandoning rural life in Colombia for urban jobs. They’ve taken ownership of their land, and are nurturing it with shade-grown coffee plantations, mostly of Castillo and Caturra varieties.

AMUCC’s proactive approach has opened doors to many opportunities for the growers and their communities, including access to financing options. This newfound financial freedom has allowed them to invest in upgrading their operations and infrastructure, enhancing their coffee-growing capabilities.

AMUCC creates new opportunities

The cooperative’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. Premiums are now available to support AMUCC members in transitioning from conventional to organic coffee production. This transition can initially impact yields and income, but the premiums available help bridge the gap and provide a much-needed boost.

As AMUCC continues to thrive, so does the quality of their coffee. Their dedication to sustainable practices and unwavering passion for their craft have earned them a reputation for producing some of the finest beans Colombia has to offer.

We are delighted to have secured a steady supply of their excellent coffee and we look forward to Launching Manos Mujeres in the coming weeks. It’s great to be able to support such a worthwhile initiative.