CESMACH, or Campesinos Ecológicos de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas, is a coffee cooperative located in the southern highlands of Chiapas, within the buffer zone of the El Triunfo Biosphere. El Triunfo is an area of great ecological importance because it contains two of the most complex and beautiful ecosystems in the world: the cloud and tropical rain forest. El Triunfo’s unique ecosystems are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species considered rare or in danger of extinction.
CESMACH members are deeply committed to practicing sustainable agriculture to protect the biosphere and the natural resources within its boundaries. The organization became Fair Trade certified for coffee in 2001 and in 2003, they were awarded the Ecological Merit Award by the Mexican government for its efforts to protect endangered plant species. The organization is working towards 100 percent organic methods.
Many of CESMACH's members have been able to pay off their personal debts and make necessary improvements to their homes; thanks to the higher price they have receive from their Fair Trade Certified coffee sales. The organization now offers full pre-harvest financing for members, assuring farmers with the resources they need to consistently produce high quality coffee.
CESMACH has helped provide funds for farmers to construct their homes, while also building general meeting spaces to guarantee facilities for trainings or community initiatives.
Each year, CESMACH invests in a technical assistance and monitoring program for their organic producers. Appropriate staff is available to train and support organic processes while verifying standards are met and quality is high.
Coffee Farm Information
Location: Sierra Madre de Chiapas
Altitude: 3,937 Feet (1,200 Meters)
Varietal: Typica, Bourbon, Mundo Novo
Process: Fully washed
Drying: Sun-dried on patios
Harvest: November – March
