ETHIOPIA BOBEA (NATURAL)

1,200 farmers contribute to the production of Bobea Processing Station, of whom 100 are organized under an Organic Certified out grower scheme. Site collectors for Bobea focus on maintaining quality and pay an additional 1-1.5 birr p/kg to farmers who deliver perfectly ripe cherries. 

In line with most of Guji's coffee plants, trees around Bobea look very young and healthy, and farmers have planted new varieties provided by the local office agricultural research center in recent years. The 3 hectare station houses 120 drying beds, where cherries are laid after sorting for immaturities. Site manager Katelo Sali has more than 20 years' experience in coffee processing, and oversees the strict drying of cherries at Mansa. Coffee is turned every 30 minutes during daylight hours and covered with tarps overnight and when it rains. The coffee is dried and turned for a period of 3-4 weeks, until it has reached a moisture content of 13%.