From Alex

Nicaragua
Nueva Segovia

The Andelmo Diaz Galiano Cooperative

In March, we had a visit from some farmers from the Andelmo Diaz Galiano coop located in Northern Nicaragua. They are a supplier to Prodecoop, the large Fair Trade Certified Cooperative which is the source of our delicious Nicaraguan coffee. We enjoyed meeting them and hearing about their experience growing coffee, and they were curious to see first-hand what happens to their coffee once it leaves their farm.

The Andelmo Diaz Galiano coop is located near the Honduran border
in the stunning Nicaraguan highlands.

Last week, I was able to return the visit. I spent a few days with Lino Galiano and his family, who help run the cooperative. They live in Plan Grande 2, a rural community of a few hundred people, most of whom work with the coop.

Lino discusses the daily work on the farm.

Lino uses his (huge) machete to clean the ground of brush and weeds, which would steal nutrients from newly planted coffee trees.

Fair Trade Certification has helped, but harvest time still brings a mix of hope and uncertainty. Lino and I discussed recent developments in the coffee market, and how the coop might be able to develop in the future. A quick stop for a drink after a morning hiking the farm.

A family from the community Plan Grande 2.

A butterfly perched near some green, unripe coffee cherries.

These red cherries are ripe and ready for harvest!


I hope our friends from the Galiano Cooperative can return for another visit in the spring....more photos and info to come in December!