Colombia Tolima FTO Natural - FABICOOP

Peach, tamarind, panela, ripe mango, strawberry shortcake
TOP LOT
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2024/25
Status Spot
Lot Number P612736-2
  • 7 Bag(s)
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About This Coffee

FABICOOP was established in 2012, initially with a small group of farmers who had been working in the southern part of Tolima for generations. Today, the cooperative supports 296 coffee farming families, many of whom are descendants of producers, keeping the generational tradition of quality and sustainability alive. The group will soon rename the cooperative as "Famycafe", to reflect the family-focused nature of their work. They specialize in natural-processed coffee, which undergoes a drying process on the farm, known as "secado natural," a technique that is weather-dependent and can take several days.  

Country of Origin Colombia
Region Planadas, Tolima
Producer Type Cooperative
Farm Name Various smallholders
Co-Op FABICOOP
Processing Natural/Dry Processed
Processing Description 34hr fermentation, dried in marquesinas or mechanical dryers
Growing Altitude 1850m - 1950m
Harvest Season 2024/25
Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia, Typica
Certifications Organic Certified NOP, FLO Fairtrade Certified

History of Colombian Coffee 

As with many coffee origins, it is believed that coffee was first brought to Colombia by priests, arriving, perhaps, within a decade or two after coffee first came to the Americas via the Caribbean in the first half of the 17th century. It was likely a garden crop grown for local consumption and barter for decades. Unlike other coffee regions, we have the story of a priest named Francisco Romero, who could be called the father of commercial coffee cultivation in Colombia. The folkloric tale goes that in the early 1800’s, Father Francisco, hearing confessions in the north eastern town of Salazar de la Palmas, assigned planting coffee to his parishioners as penance for their sins. The Archbishop of Colombia heard about this and ordered all priests to adopt the practice. Commercial production of coffee expanded quickly, moving into regions where the growing conditions were ideal. 

Growing Coffee in Colombia 

Even though it’s been 4,000 years, the soil resulting from the last major eruption of Tolima is still considered “young soil,” filled with nutrients that are no longer found at the same levels in old soil. There is a long list of elements on offer in volcanic soil that are fading or absent in other soils, such as high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Also present is something called “Boron,” which arrived from outer space a long time ago, and is important to cell walls, the creation of enzymes, and the production of flowers and fruit, meaning Boron contributes to yield. Beyond the nutrients, the structure of volcanic soil is also beneficial to coffee growing. It can soak up and hold moisture while, at the same time, facilitate good drainage so water doesn’t pool, which is not good for coffee plant roots. Coffee plants like to take a drink, then take a break. Also, volcanic soils are usually found on an incline, which also helps with drainage. 

  • Region Planadas, Tolima
  • Farm Name Various smallholders
  • Producer Type Cooperative
  • Processing Natural/Dry Processed
  • Processing Description 34hr fermentation, dried in marquesinas or mechanical dryers
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Castillo, Caturra, Colombia, Typica
  • Min Growing Altitude 1850m
  • Max Growing Altitude 1950m
  • Co-Op FABICOOP
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Certifications Organic Certified NOP, FLO Fairtrade Certified
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P612736-2
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse Continental NJ