Organic Coffee in Nicaragua

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Written by F2F Nicaragua volunteer, Arthur Bassett

Arriving to Nicaragua the mind is always wondering, “what could be the outcome of this volunteer project”. These projects are a special time to work with great people from around the world. This trip was my first time getting to work with coffee farmers in the Madriz department of Nicaragua.

Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) assignments can vary with their topics but this assignment involved training farmers and staff from the NGO Fabretto and their 5 de Junio cooperative members. We trained students that were young men and women so that they can be experts in their area. Everyone was very excited to learn about how to manage organic certification for a healthy product and an improved value to their coffee.

Our plan was simple: to do a mock inspection and teach a class on how to do an inspection. Our program involved going to fields, storage areas, seedling nurseries and other areas used in production to see what needed to be reviewed for an organic coffee inspection. We then spent two days in the class room talking about the key parts for an inspection, like structure, logistics, ETHICS, organic law in the world, health and hygiene (Tippy Tap), the workings of the National Organic Program (NOP) law, and a test for a certificate in training. In addition to organic certification we also did a course on coffee cupping training for youth in the area. We visited a coffee processing warehouse so that students could see improved drying methods and lot number systems.

Some things that stood out during my visit was the fact that many farmers in the area must deal with hunger. The students asked if they could plant food in their coffee parcels and they told me the answer, “Yes! As long as all production is organic.” In the area water shortages are also an issue. I decided to implement a Tippy tap training. Not only because it is a great way to conserve water but also because people need to be happy and healthy to make great work. (http://www.tippytap.org/ ) We also stressed the importance of Ethics and the students did some dramas involving ethical situations during inspections. Here is their drama in Spanish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXhN9M6E9eI

I am so proud to be a Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer and be part of help and assistance in the world. The value of this program is so great and reaches far beyond the participants of this class. I used the train the trainer model of teaching and I know that students in the classes will share what they learned. I hope to see them one day in Nicaragua or in the US as successful individuals!



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