The Producer
This lot originates from a small collective of farmers in the Sidama region of Southern Ethiopia, a place that continues to embody the true spirit of Ethiopian coffee. Each producer tends between three to twelve hectares of fertile land, where coffee trees flourish beneath cool mist and high altitudes. With the shift in Ethiopia’s export laws, these smallholders now have the chance to bring their harvest directly to the global market, a journey shaped by both opportunity and resilience. This season, the group placed their trust in Buriso Amaje, who worked alongside Falcon’s team in Addis Ababa to guide the milling and export process, carrying the essence of Sidama far beyond its highland valleys.
ChatGPT said: For many of these farmers, limited cash flow often stands as the greatest barrier to realizing the full value of their harvest. Falcon provided prefinancing support, giving them the space to focus on nurturing quality instead of pursuing quick sales. Beyond financial aid, this partnership cultivates growth through hands on training in selective picking, refined processing, and attentive drying practices. Together, these efforts guide the producers toward a more consistent and expressive cup that carries the true voice and potential of their land.
Among the group, Bekele Belachew stands as a quiet guardian of his craft. On his six hectare farm in Sagara village, Bensa district, Bekele works with his wife and six children under the shade of native forest. They nurture the 74158 and 74160 varieties, selections from the Jimma Research Centre known for their bright citrus and delicate floral character. Every cherry is handpicked, processed, and dried within their family compound, preserving Ethiopia’s deep rooted natural coffee tradition. Bekele’s work reflects the patience and rhythm of Sidama, where each harvest speaks of devotion, family, and the living soul of the land.
