Mt Elgon, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd
The Mount Elgon Washed Arabica Scheme started in 2007 and works with around 6,000 smallholder farmers. The scheme is 4C verified and UTZ & RA certified. Farmers deliver their cherries to either one of six micro-washing stations that are located at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,900 metres. All stations are equipped with eco-pulping units and green houses to optimise coffee drying under wet conditions. Farmers are grouped in Producer Organisations of 25-30 members to facilitate buying and extension services by the 37 person strong washing station and field teams. Both teams are essential in the verification and certification processes.
All registered farmers benefit from a range of services delivered by the scheme. These include:
- Competitive prices and bonuses
- Training on Good Agricultural Practices, social issues and environmental conservation
- Targeted on-the-spot training during farm visits
- Farmer group trainings
- Specialist trainings
- High quality Arabica seedlings at a cost-sharing basis + free shade tree
- seedlings.
Five agro-input stores (not for profit) provide farmers with:
- Genuine and acceptable agro-chemicals
- Free use of secateurs and pruning saws
- Fertiliser for bonus scheme encourages adoption of fertilisers.
- Free transport of cherries to washing stations.
