Ethiopia - Halo Natural

Washing station: Halo

Producer: 700 smallholder producers

Origin: Gedeb, Yirgacheffe – Ethiopia

Cultivars: Mixed heirloom

Process: Natural

Halo washing station is located in the village Halo Barite in Gedeb in the heart of Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia. Sitting at altitudes around 2000-2100 meters above sea level Halo works as a delivery point for around 700 small holder farmers. Farms here are typically small semi-forested and densely vegetated with shade trees. Most farms are in a close distance to the washing-station which allows cherries to be delivered shortly after picking, preserving their quality an freshness.

Once the coffee cherries have been delivered at the washing-station they are floated followed by hand-sorting to remove defects and under- and over-ripe cherries before being moved to the drying tables. The cherries are laid in a single layer and turned about every 30 minutes to ensure even drying. Whilst turning the cherries the workers inspect the cherries and remove any damaged cherries. After a few days of drying the coffee cherries are adjusted to a slightly thicker layer to slow down the drying but the coffee is still turned regularly. It takes between 8-20 days to finish they drying.

Halo is one of three washing stations that are being supported by SNAP – a company helping smallholder farmers and communities. They offer support to the farmers sharing essential knowledge and training to ensure consistent processing and cleaning methods. SNAP are also working to provide technological equipment to newly built schools in the regions they work in and construct new roads in less accessible farming areas. Their future goals consist of building clinics that will improve healthcare access for the coffee farmers.