Red Ecolsierra Sierra Nevada FW FTO

Founded in 2001, Red Ecolsierra (Network of Eco-Friendly Producers from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria mountain range, which encompasses both rainforests and snow-capped mountains. The group aims to consolidate producers' efforts to promote sustainable, eco-friendly production and effectively market their coffee. Today, Red Ecolsierra comprises 23 small groups representing 440 families in the Magdalena municipalities of Ciénaga, Aracataca, Fundación, and Santa Marta.

Their certified organic and sustainable agricultural practices position them in the niche of "special coffees" in the international market. Besides organic coffee, they offer honey, community ecotourism services, honey and coffee processing, and the export of organic green coffee. Their commitment to diversification and environmental conservation reflects their deep connection to this extraordinary region.

Red Ecolsierra connects Colombian organic farmers and those interested in transitioning to organic farming. As a group, Red Ecolsierra has provided numerous services to its members, including the construction of basic sanitation systems, coffee pulp composting stations, garbage and recycling services, forest conservation, and wildlife protection programs, among others. The cooperative places a strong emphasis on social development activities, such as leadership training for community leaders, promoting youth involvement in the organization, and supporting women's development through artisan groups.

Red Ecolsierra employs various drying methods for their coffee, including raised beds, concrete patios, and solar dryers. These methods are carefully chosen to ensure the optimal drying process, resulting in high-quality coffee beans ready for export.

Sustainable Harvest® is a specialty coffee trader focusing primarily on bringing coffees to market that are sourced from smallholder farmer cooperatives in the supply chain such as indigenous communities, women groups and the next generation of coffee farmers.

Their sourcing model is built on transparency, traceability and direct relationships between quality-minded coff­ee roasters and best-in-class coffee producers. Sustainable Harvest® has an on-site presence at origin with staff­ in Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Peru. Each office coordinates their supply including quality management, supplier relationships, source development, logistics, training and capacity building.