Download - COPRANIL Direct Trade Guidebook [Draft]
Corquín, Copán, Honduras
2011
Greetings from COPRANIL
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Carrie on a farm visit COPRANIL President, Fidel Romero
Gloria with Esperanza’s son in the office
Esperanza leaving the office
Coffee cherries from a Vicén family farm
Maida overlooks her farm
Drying coffee on the patio
Luis Estevez’s farm
Carrie and Carly cupping coffee at the office
Table of Contents
Introduction – COPRANIL 4
Welcome to the COPRANIL Direct Trade Project 5
About Us and Contact Information 6
Producer Profiles 7
Fidel Antonio Romero Molina 7
Angel Maria Peña Mejia 8
Luis Estevez 9
José Bernardo Hernández 10
José Tránsito Gutierrez 11
Mario Roberto Gómez López 12
Carlos Georgi Gómez López 13
Maida Gómez López 14
Reinerio Portillo 15
Juan José Vicén Díaz 16
Fredi Onan Vicén Peña 17
Conclusion 18
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Introduction - COPRANIL
COPRANIL History
Formed in 1999 by 17 innovative coffee
farmers from Corquín, Copán, Honduras,
COPRANIL, the Cooperativa Regional
Agroforestal de Nuevas Ideas Limitada
(Regional Agro-forestry Cooperative of New
Ideas), stands as one of the oldest coffee
cooperatives in the western highlands of
Honduras. With over 80 current and active
members, COPRANIL bustles with activity
throughout the year and especially during
the months of December and January, the
peak months of the coffee harvest.
COPRANIL provides many services to its
members and has a range of coffee
processing equipment including a wet mill,
two horizontal dryers, and ample patio
space for solar drying. COPRANIL
processes and sells an average 1,500
quintales* of its members’ coffee each
year.
The members of COPRNAIL are very
involved in ensuring its success. Members
sit on the Board of Directors, Internal Audit
Committee, and Commercialization
Committee and work closely with
COPRANIL management. Additionally all
members attend bi-annual meetings.
COPRANIL also assists its members in the
farm certification process. One farmer has
already completed UTZ certification and 31
others are in the process.
* A quintal is equal to 100 pounds
Our Director
As the current director
of the cooperative,
Esperanza López
Aguilar remembers the
day that COPRANIL
was formed.
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In fact, Esperanza attended the
inauguration of COPRANIL and was
hired as the first secretary of the
cooperative in 1999. Since then she
has worked at COPRANIL in various
roles, assuming her current role as
director in 2006.
Esperanza is married and has an 8
year old son, Hector Emilio. Her
husband, Hector Urrea, has farms in
Corquín and is a member of the
cooperative. During the busy coffee
season, the whole family practically
lives at the COPRANIL office.
The founding members of COPRANIL at
the 1999 inauguration. Esperanza is sitting
at the table, in the center.
Welcome to the COPRANIL Direct Trade Project
Origin of the Direct Trade Project
COPRANIL has historically sold its coffee in
the traditional Honduran way – through
intermediaries and exporters. COPRANIL
coffee would then be mixed with other
coffees of different origins and qualities,
thus losing its original integrity. Over the
past few years Esperanza López, the
director of COPRANIL, has been laying the
foundation for a shift to a more direct
selling model. In 2010, Esperanza
requested the assistance of a Peace Corps
Volunteer to specifically help with the
commercialization of the cooperative’s
coffee. As luck would have it, the two of us
were up to the task.
The Direct Trade Project is part of a larger
initiative to improve the commercialization
of COPRANIL’s coffee. To date, 12
members have become involved in the
project through creating farm profiles,
providing samples for cupping, and
showing continued interest in increasing the
quality of their coffee. This book is an
introduction to these producers, their farms,
their families, and their coffee.
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Plans for the immediate future include
constructing solar dryers to increase the
quality and quantity of samples;
organizing cupping and quality classes for
interested members; and purchasing
necessary equipment to outfit a cupping
laboratory.
For us, this book has been a labor of love.
We have spent countless hours in the
COPRANIL office, visiting farms, sampling
coffees, and getting to know the producers
and their families. We hope that we have
done them justice with our work and that
you enjoy the finished product. We look
forward to being in further contact and will
gladly provide more information, send
samples, and welcome visitors to Corquín
and the cooperative.
Sincerely,
About Us and Contact Information
About Us
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Contact Information
Carly Kadlec
gchat: carleenk2
+(504) 9835.7124
Carrie Perdue
gchat: carrie.perdue
+(504) 9876.2247
COPRANIL
+(504)9481.6674
The best way to keep in touch with us is
through e-mail. One of us checks our e-
mail at least once a day. Please be sure
to include both Carrie and Carly in any e-
mail correspondence to COPRANIL as
they will need translation help. Thanks
and we look forward to being in touch!
Hailing from the
suburbs of Chicago,
Carly Kadlec graduated
from Washington
University in St Louis in
2010 with a degree in
Latin American Studies.
She is currently a Protected Areas
Management Volunteer with Peace
Corps Honduras. Besides working with
the coffee cooperative, Carly works with
students in the local school on
environmental education, micro-
watershed protection, and worm
composting.
From 2007-2010, Carrie worked as a
strategy consultant with Deloitte
Consulting, regularly traveling both abroad
and at home to work on projects. Carrie’s
other work as a Peace Corps Business
Volunteer in Honduras has included small
business advising and starting a national
data management initiative.
Carrie Perdue, born and
raised in West Virginia,
graduated from the
University of Virginia in
2007 with a degree in
Commerce with
concentrations in
Marketing and
Information Technology.
Fidel Antonio Romero Molina
Producer Profile
Fidel Antonio Romero Molina, or “Don
Fidel” as he is affectionately known, was
born and raised in a tobacco farming family
in Corquín. As a child he witnessed the
introduction of coffee into the region and
ever since then, he has been cultivating the
crop and expanding his farms.
Don Fidel shares his love of coffee farming
with his wife, Olga, who also maintains her
own coffee farms in the region. Their six
children are involved in all aspects of coffee
production on the family farms. Don Fidel
and Olga pride themselves in passing on
their knowledge of the coffee crop, as well
their land, to their children.
Most recently, the members of COPRANIL
elected Don Fidel as the President of the
cooperative and he will serve for the
duration of 2011.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca El Guayabo
Location: Los Cedros, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 8 manzanas
Altitude: 1180 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Catuaí, Lempira,
IHCAFE 90, Bourbon
Production: 300 quintales
Shade: Guama, Pine, Orange,
Plantain, Avocado, Cedar, Mahogany
Soil: Loam - Sand
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Angel Maria Peña Mejia
Producer Profile
Angel Peña, or Lito, as he is informally
known by friends and family in Corquín, is
one of those coffee farmers who cannot let
a single day pass without visiting his farm.
Luckily, his farm, which is in the process of
UTZ certification, is close to his family’s
home.
Referred to as “la jefa” or “the boss,” Lito’s
wife Carmen, who helps support the family
by selling her famous bread, regularly helps
out on the farm during harvest time.
Carmen and Lito have passed their passion
for coffee along to their children. From
sharing the wet mill on his farm with his
oldest son to his youngest son’s
enthusiastic assistance, Lito involves his
kids in all aspects of farming. Additionally,
his daughter Gloria, works as an
administrator at the cooperative.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca San Rafeal
Location: Agua Caliente, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 3.5 manzanas
Altitude: 1150 – 1200 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Lempira, IHCAFE
90, Bourbon
Production: 63 quintales
Shade: Guama, Pine, Orange,
Plantain, Cedar
Soil: Loam
Fermentation: 24 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Luis Estevez
Producer Profile
An enthusiastic learner, coffee producer,
and beekeeper, Luis Estevez is very
involved at COPRANIL. In addition to being
one of the most advanced producers in the
UTZ certification process, Luis is a member
of the Commercialization Committee at the
cooperative. He also has his own wet mill at
his farm which he shares with his father.
Luis has shown a lot of enthusiasm for
COPRANIL’s Direct Trade Project and has
expressed interest in improving the quality
of his coffee. Additionally, Luis is planning
on enrolling in the upcoming cupping
course that the cooperative is sponsoring.
Besides his coffee farms, Luis keeps and
maintains over 30 beehives near his home.
He is an active associate of a local honey
cooperative in Corquín.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca Las Cotuzas
Location: Portrerillos, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 5 manzanas
Altitude: 1050 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Catuaí, Lempira
Production: 122 quintales
Shade: Guama, Nance, Pine,
Plantain, Cedar
Soil: Clay-Loam
Fermentation: 7 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
José Bernardo Hernández
Producer Profile
Warmly referred to as “El Profe Bernardo,”
Bernardo Hernández is one of the most
involved members at COPRANIL. Bernardo
owns four farms, one of which is already
UTZ certified.
Bernardo’s father instilled in him a love for
coffee farming and a respect for the land.
From a young age, Bernardo was out
visiting his family farms and learning about
the other family business – raising egg
producing hens. Today, Bernardo owns and
manages a hen house in addition to his
coffee farms.
While not tending to his farms and hens,
preparing samples, and advancing his
remaining three farms in the UTZ
certification process, Bernardo is a beloved
third grade teacher at the local elementary
school in Corquín.
The photo on page 18 is an image of
Bernardo overlooking Corquín from one of
his farms.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca Los Laureles,
Finca Benedición de Dios, Finca La
Protección, Finca Bienaventuranzas
Location: Los Plátanos, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 7 manzanas total
Altitude: 1000 - 1200 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Catuaí, Lempira
Production: 200 quintales total
Shade: Guama, Nance, Pine,
Plantain
Soil: Loam, Sandy
Fermentation: 24 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
José Tránsito Gutierrez
Producer Profile
Tránsito Gutierrez is truly an embodiment
of the direct coffee trade principles. One of
the largest producers in the cooperative,
Tránsito has taken it upon himself to serve
as an example for other producers.
His farm, Finca Guardabarranco, which is
in the process of UTZ certification, is
situated around a large and precious
source of water for the community of
Corquín. Tránsito has purchased much of
the land around his farm and currently
engages in conservation efforts to protect
the water source. In addition to his passion
for conservation, Tránsito also focuses on
providing superior conditions for his coffee
pickers. His farm is outfitted with adequate
private housing to accommodate all of his
workers and his family. During coffee
season, Tránsito lives on his farm with his
wife and three children.
A retired lawyer, Tránsito is also very
interested in developing eco-tourism
opportunities in the area. He has already
begun constructing tourism infrastructure
on his property.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca Guardabarranco
Location: Quebrada Honda,
Corquín, Copán, Honduras
Size: 35 manzanas
Altitude: 1100 - 1300 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Lempira, IHCAFE
90, Catuaí
Production: 1000 quintales
Shade: Guama, Cedar, Mahogany,
Pine, Plantain, Orange
Soil: Clay-Loam
Fermentation: 24 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Mario Roberto Gómez López
Producer Profile
Crossing the River Jopopo to get to his
farm, Mario Gómez López discusses the
finer points of the international coffee
market. A student of all things coffee
related, Mario is extremely interested in
COPRANIL’s Direct Trade Project and
expanding his knowledge of the coffee
commodity chain.
Mario is part of a large and proud coffee
growing family. He and his 10 brothers and
sisters all own farms in and around
Corquín. Mario is keeping the family
tradition alive by involving his wife and 4
children in all aspects of his coffee farm.
Gómez López’s farm, Las Brisas del
Jopopo, is in the process of UTZ
certification. He operates a small wet mill at
his home that he often shares with his
family.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Las Brisas del Jopopo
Location: Loma Alta, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 4 manzanas
Altitude: 1150 meters
Varieties: Caturra
Production: 80 quintales
Shade: Guama, Cedar, Plantain,
Orange
Soil: Clay, Loam
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Carlos Georgi Gómez López
Producer Profile
Very well known in the Corquín community
as an educational leader, Georgi Gómez
López, or “El Profe Georgi” has a school
named after him in Los Plátanos, the
location of one of his farms.
In addition to his duties as regional director
for the local school district, Georgi owns 4
different farms, two of which are in process
of UTZ certification. He also finds time to
serve faithfully on the COPRANIL Board of
Directors.
Georgi is being featured in this book with
two of his siblings, Mario and Maida. And,
like many of the other farmers in Corquín,
Georgi truly believes that coffee farming is
a family affair. Georgi processes his coffee
at his mother’s wet mill, helps his 10
brothers and sisters with various coffee
related tasks, and always involves his wife
and four young daughters, hoping one day
to leave his farms to his daughters.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Finca Los Plátanos,
Lagunitas, Paso de la Vaca, Finca
Azacualpa
Location: Corquín, Copán, Honduras
Size: 17 manzanas total
Altitude: 1150 – 1300 meters
Varieties: Lempira, IHCAFE 90,
Catuaí
Production: 450 quintales total
Shade: Guama, Pine, Cedar,
Plantain, Orange, Avocado, Mango
Soil: Clay, Loam
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Maida Gómez López
Producer Profile
As one of the few female coffee farmers in
Corquín, Maida Gómez López does not shy
away from any aspect of farm life. At an
early age, she realized her passion for
coffee and has been expanding her
knowledge even since.
As a passionate coffee farmer and mother,
Maida has impressed upon her only child
and daughter the importance of economic
independence and self-sustainability.
Thanks to her mother’s support, her
daughter is currently studying to become a
lawyer. Dedicated to both family and farm,
Maida exemplifies the hard work and
passion of COPRANIL’s producers.
Between getting her two farms certified with
UTZ and teaching her daughter the ropes
of the coffee business, Maida stays busy
throughout the year.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: El Supte, El Zapote
Location: Loma Alta, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 13 manzanas total
Altitude: 1150 – 1300 meters
Varieties: Caturra, IHCAFE 90,
Catuaí
Production: 200 quintales total
Shade: Guama, Pine, Cedar,
Plantain, Orange
Soil: Clay, Loam
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Reinerio Portillo
Producer Profile
Well-respected and well-liked by the
members of COPRANIL, Reinerio Portillo,
or “Don Reinerio”, recently completed a 5
year term as President of the cooperative.
As he completed his term, he stepped into
a new role as President of COPRANIL’s
Internal Audit Committee.
When Don Reinerio is not tending to his
farm or at the COPRANIL office, he also
operates his own business which
purchases and processes late season
coffee harvests for sell to national
Honduran buyers.
Portillo wet mills his own coffee at the
facility of his business. Portillo’s farm, La
Venada, is in process of UTZ certification.
Don Reinerio is married with 4 kids and his
wife and children can frequently be found
helping him on the farm.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: La Venada
Location: Los Plátanos, Corquín,
Copán, Honduras
Size: 4 manzanas
Altitude: 1000 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Lempira, IHCAFE
90, Catuaí, Bourbon
Production: 90 quintales
Shade: Guama, Mahogany, Cedar,
Laurel, Orange, Avacado, Lemon
Soil: Loam
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Juan José Vicén Díaz
Producer Profile
More commonly known as “Don Chepe,”
Juan José Vicén Díaz owns two farms in
the Corquín region. In the process of UTZ
certification, Finca Los Vertientes lies on a
particularly steep slope in the mountains
above Corquín. However, Don Chepe’s
attention to live barriers and reforestation
projects demonstrates his commitment to
the land. Chepe’s legacy as a well-liked
and respected coffee farmer in the region
can already be felt as all of his eleven
children own or work on coffee farms in
Corquín.
Previously serving on the Internal Audit
Committee of COPRANIL, Don Chepe
currently serves on the cooperative’s
Commercialization Committee. His service
to the cooperative reaches all the way back
to 1999 as Don Chepe was a founding
member.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: Los Vertientes, Los
Barrancos
Location: Yarguera and Los Llanos,
Corquín, Copán, Honduras
Size: 4 manzanas total
Altitude: 1000 – 1400 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Lempira, IHCAFE
90, Catuaí
Production: 60 quintales total
Shade: Guama, Plantain, Cedar,
Orange, Avacado, Lemon
Soil: Loam, Sandy
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Fredi Onan Vicén Peña
Producer Profile
As the oldest son of Don Chepe, Fredi
Onan Vicén Peña has grown up in the
coffee business. After years of helping his
father out on the farm, Fredi now has two
farms of his own and one of his wife’s to
keep him busy. His farm, La Falda, which
literally means “the skirt,” referring to the
steep slope of the land, is currently in the
process of UTZ certification.
Along with his wife Suyapa and their five
children, Fredi spends nearly every day of
the coffee season on the farm picking,
depulping, and washing coffee. After a
small production in the 2009-2010 season
due to a thorough pruning, Fredi’s farms
are coming back strong.
In addition to having farm work to keep
himself busy, Fredi also serves on the
COPRANIL Board of Directors.
Fredi and Suyapa’s oldest daughter, Karen,
is seen below picking coffee.
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Farm Facts
Farm Name: La Falda, La Loma
Location: Yarguera and Los Llanos,
Corquín, Copán, Honduras
Size: 4 manzanas total
Altitude: 1000 – 1400 meters
Varieties: Caturra, Lempira
Production: 20 quintales total
Shade: Guama, Plantain, Cedar,
Orange, Avacado, Lemon
Soil: Loam, Sandy
Fermentation: 12 hours
Drying: Patio and Industrial
Horizontal Dryer
Thank you and we hope you enjoy the view…