In 2010, producers in the Jimma region were chosen to be part of the Technoserve Coffee Initiative to receive technical assistance and financing to produce fully washed coffees. Through this program, coffee farmers in the area came together to form an official producer cooperative, Nano Challa. Prior to this, farmers in this area – many of whom are third generation with 2 - 3 hectares of land – produced mostly lower-grade, natural processed coffees.

The transition to washed coffees was a turning point for these farmers. In 2010, Nano Challa purchased a wet mill with a Penagos 500 depulping machine and produced washed coffee for the first time. Their parchment is soaked overnight, washed and then sun dried on raised beds. In just one year, the Nano Challa Cooperative repaid their loans with the high prices they received for their coffee. Their success continues to draw more area farmers to the cooperative. In 2018, Nano Challa completed construction on a second washing station, doubling their processing and drying capacity. Originally just 25 members in 2004, the group has grown to 625 producers.

In this area, large tracts of pristine forests shade tall, spindly and wild coffee trees. These coffee farms contain an unknown number of indigenous varieties, brought from the forest and culled over generations. In addition to coffee, the Gera forest is also known for honey production. “Both coffee and honey production require us to manage our forest resources closely,” explains a local leader. “If people cannot support themselves and the forest at the same time, then the trees will be the first to suffer. We are proud that our forests have given us a gift to share with the world.”

The Nano Challa Cooperative is organized under the Kata Muduga Farmer’s Cooperative Union, which also encompasses Duromina. Stumptown began purchasing coffees from these cooperatives in 2011, and we are consistently impressed with the quality and profile of this cup and the achievements of the people.