THE PLAN
Harun supports Mustefa’s production overseeing the implementation of improvements at the washing stations. This includes focusing on drying bed management, the storage conditions of the parchment, cherry selection, and the process that informs how coffee is sorted at the farm gate. One key implementation has been the purchasing and construction of shade netting to cover and protect parchment during the hottest parts of the day to promote slower and more even drying. Harun had also noticed that parchment had been picked from drying beds and stored without moisture content being managed. Lots are now tagged when they reach the drying beds and moisture content regularly logged, only being moved to storage when the reach the acceptable range. This point will greatly improve the resilience of the coffee’s quality. At the post-harvest stage, Harun has been paying regular visits to farmers firstly to evaluate the health of their plants and offering advice on good agronomic practice including how to carry out selective pruning.
THE RESULTS
Since implementing these improvements just one year ago we are already seeing an improvement in the quality of Mustefa’s coffee. As a result of enhanced attention during the post-harvest stages we have found the coffees are no longer showing signs of early ageing and have gained a great deal in clarity of flavour and mouthfeel. Harun’s work with Mustefa continues as we aim to reach a consistent level of high quality, in turn, providing improved pricing, and working to strengthen Mustefa’s reputation as a producer of some of the best specialty coffee in Ethiopia.
