Empowering Farmers through Sustainable Coffee Cultivation and Post-Harvest Training

At Orang Utan Coffee (OUC), our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just producing premium coffee. It’s about empowering the communities that make it all possible. In line with this mission, we recently organized our annual training sessions aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of our partner farmers and ICS (Internal Control System) members in coffee cultivation and post-harvest practices.

Training Highlights:

This year’s training was held in the serene highlands of Takengon ensuring a focused learning environment.  A total of 69 participants, including representatives from seven Orang Utan Coffee farmer groups and the ICS team, took part in this enriching experience.

The training featured expert-sharing who brought their extensive knowledge and experience. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of coffee cultivation in Gayo, the trainers delivered insightful sessions on organic farming practices, covering topics such as seedling development, pruning, crop maintenance, shade management, soil fertility enhancement, and composting techniques. In the post-harvest segment, participants learned best practices for maintaining coffee quality from the farm to the final product.

Adhering to the Orang Utan Coffee Standards:

A key focus of the training was the reinforcement of the Orang Utan Coffee Standards, which rest on three pillars: soil health and ecological land management, social inclusion and economic aspects, and the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.

Looking Ahead:

The training was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from all participants, who appreciated the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their farming practices. There is a strong desire among the participants for continued training opportunities, particularly those involving hands-on practice at the farm level. At Orang Utan Coffee, we are committed to responding to this feedback and will explore ways to incorporate more practical, on-site training in the future.

Thank you for your continued support of Orang Utan Coffee. Together, we are not just growing coffee; we are cultivating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.