Guatemalan Los Jovenes

Our Guatemalan beans come from ASOBAGRI cooperative, a great coop that has worked for years to achieve consistent, specialty-grade coffee favored by many leading micro-roasters. We have been directly trading with ASOBAGRI since 2001. Over the years, ASOBAGRI has instituted literacy courses, organic and sustainable farming trainings, reforestation, youth in agroforestry programs and many other initiatives made possible by Fair Trade and Direct premiums.

We have worked directly with farm communities in Guatemala for over two decades during times of danger and peace. Our innovative, award-winning programs include microcredit, women’s health and youth self-esteem.

A mountainous country speckled with a dozen different indigenous peoples trying hard to hold onto their cultures in a globalizing era, Guatemala produces amazing coffees. There are actually eight identifies microclimatic regions around Guatemala and each will produce a slightly different flavor profile. Notable regions include Huehuetenango (acidic and winey), Chimaltenango (sweet, acidic, citrusy), Lake Atitlan (full-bodied and citrusy), and Antigua (rich aroma, sweet taste). The dominant characteristics of Guatemalan coffees are their smoky, bold taste, pleasant acidity, and hidden sweetness.The volcanic slopes of Huehuetenango produce a small, dark green bean that delivers a smoky flavor, medium acidity with vanilla and chocolate undertones.

Youth in Agroforestry Program (2017-ongoing):

• Young farmers fruit tree reforestation and income program
• Empowering young farmers with information and land to continue in agricultural traditions of their ancestors
• Educating farmers on how to combine traditional farming techniques with new technologies to combat climate change
• Funding commitment to date: $16,000

Empowering Girls in Guatemala (2008-ongoing):

• supporting health, education and social support for girls and young women
• Funding commitment to date: $8,000

Roya Education and Prevention in Central America (2015-ongoing):

• education and support to help stop the spread of Roya (coffee leaf rust)
• Funding commitment to date: $7,000

Past Projects:

APROS Women’s Health Program Support

• Supports APROS programs in the Lake Atitlan region for widows, maternal health and education
• CHICA, the first “girls-training-girls” peer education program in Central America
• Powerful in building self-esteem and generating income for scholarships

"Coffee Talk" – indigenous radio programs with Cultural Survival

"Coffee Kids" Loan Program

• Brought women's microcredit and health promotion projects to Guatemalan communities