Rhino Project

Federación de Sociedades Cooperativas Cafetaleras de la Costa Soconusco del Estado de Chiapas (FEDECOS) is a coffee-producing cooperative established in 2016 in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, Mexico. The cooperative brings together over 800 smallholder farmers , many of whom are embracing robusta coffee as a sustainable alternative crop in the region’s lowland tropical climate. While Mexico has traditionally been known for its arabica production, robusta is a relatively recent addition , and FEDECOS has played a significant role in its local adoption.

Located near the Guatemalan border, the Soconusco region offers ideal conditions for robusta cultivation—characterized by rich volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and warm temperatures . FEDECOS provides its members with technical assistance, access to markets, and training in best agricultural practices , often in collaboration with industry partners like Nestlé Mexico, who have supported the expansion of robusta through seedling distribution and agronomy programs.

FEDECOS is committed to improving the livelihoods of its members by promoting sustainable farming, increasing coffee quality, and ensuring fair market access . The cooperative also supports community development , reinvesting profits into local infrastructure, education, and social programs that benefit producers and their families. By organizing at the cooperative level, FEDECOS enables small-scale farmers to collectively process and market their coffee, ensuring traceability and consistency for buyers while empowering the producers behind every cup.

The Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union (OCFCU) is Ethiopia’s largest coffee cooperative union, established in 1999 to help smallholder farmers access fairer markets and gain stronger representation in the global coffee trade. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, OCFCU represents more than 400 primary cooperatives and over 400,000 farmer members across the Oromia region, which includes prominent coffee-growing areas such as Jimma, Limu, Nekemte, Harar , and parts of Sidama .

OCFCU is farmer-owned and democratically governed , ensuring that profits are returned to members through dividends and community investments . These investments have supported the construction of schools, roads, bridges, and clean water systems in coffee-growing areas.

The union is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffees , often grown at high elevations under shade and using traditional organic farming methods . While some member coops grow Robusta, OCFCU is primarily recognized for its Arabica coffees , many of which hold Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance certifications . These certifications help secure premium prices while promoting environmental and social sustainability.

OCFCU oversees processing, dry milling, quality control, and export logistics , ensuring traceability and consistency from farm to export. Through these efforts, OCFCU has become a central figure in Ethiopia’s specialty coffee sector— empowering farmers economically while helping to preserve Ethiopia’s coffee heritage and biodiversity .

COOPAFSI, short for Cooperativa Agraria Frontera San Ignacio, is a well-established cooperative located in the San Ignacio province of the Cajamarca region in northern Peru. Founded in 1969, COOPAFSI brings together over 300 smallholder farmers committed to producing high-quality, organic, and Fair Trade-certified coffee. One of the most inspiring initiatives within the cooperative is “Las Damas de San Ignacio,” a dedicated group of women producers who are reshaping the traditionally male-dominated coffee industry. This subgroup empowers women through leadership training, financial education, and access to their own microlots, giving them a stronger voice both within the cooperative and in their communities.

The farms of COOPAFSI lie at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 meters above sea level. Here, the cool mountain climate and fertile volcanic soil create ideal conditions for cultivating specialty-grade Arabica coffee. All coffee is grown under shade, handpicked, and processed using traditional washed methods that highlight the beans’ bright acidity and clean flavor. The result is a cup that often features notes of sweet citrus, red apple, and floral aromatics with a balanced honey finish.

Beyond coffee quality, COOPAFSI is deeply committed to sustainability and community development. Fair Trade premiums are reinvested into education, infrastructure, and gender-inclusive programs—making every purchase a direct investment in the well-being of rural farming families. By choosing coffee from Las Damas de San Ignacio, you’re not only enjoying a beautifully crafted, high-altitude brew—you’re also supporting a movement toward equity and empowerment in one of Peru’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions.