The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter

	The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter: May 2008 Written by: Kayd Neill
What's New at Origin: Colombia Karen Cebreros, President & CEO of Elan Organic Coffees, had the opportunity to attend and help create a business empowerment training for women coffee growers in Colombia. The idea is that while some women in coffee are quite successful, many continue to live in poverty and do not have a voice in their communities becuase of the harsh conditions existing there. "They are most impacted by health, education, nutrition and gender issues; these are precisely the areas in which they need to be empowered. Improving the status of women is widely recognized as one of the most effective strategies for addressing other challenges facing communities around the world today. When women are fully involved, benefits can be seen immediately- families are healthier because they are better fed and their income, savings and investment go up. The global coffee industry impacts over 25 million farming families around the world and benefits from women's participation throughout the chain of trade: from farming, to commercialization to consumption." Karen reflects, "The seminar was comprised of 19 women producers from 19 different organizations participating from Huila, Cauca and Tolima. The training was made possible because of USAID, Accion Social and the Adam project (Areas de Desarrollo Alternativo Municipal). The Colombian Coffee Federation also made possible a coffee cupping seminar that was historic. It was the first time all 19 women growers had the opportunity to cup their own coffees! They were also given a training on defects." "The training included leadership, empowerment, business skills, crop diversification, industry discussions and planning for future workshops. A Women in Coffee tour to meet the producers at the farms was proposed and is being discussed for the Fall. A representative from the group was able to travel with Accion Social to the SCAA. Additional action steps included developing a chapter for Women in Coffee, producing the Women in Coffee Leadership program in Colombia, training Q Graders, Q Cuppers and Star Cuppers and explaining organic and Fair Trade certification. The group was enthusiastic and eager to meet again to further the training. Colombia will prove to be a powerful leader of women producers in the near future!" Click here for more information on Elan's Colombian coffees
Roots: SCAA Conference 2008 It was great to see so many of you and meet many wonderful new people last week at the SCAA Conference in Minneapolis. A lot of discussions on quality and sustainability took place! It will be an exciting year for specialty coffee... Karen had the opportunity to speak on sustainability, "It was an honor to participate in a panel for Roots with Paul Katzeff and Bill Fishbein, true pioneers of the sustainability in the specialty coffee industry. Thank you to all who attended." Erika Hernandez, General Manger of Elan Organic Coffees, spent the majortiy of the conference meeting with new producers as well as producers we currently work with at origin. She reflects, "It was powerful to see such an emphasis on quality and sustainability in all discussions and panels." I had the chance to volunteer as a table lead on Sunday in the In-Depth Cupping Lab. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many industry professionals looking to learn more about cupping. I learned something new from every person I had the chance to meet! We look forward to seeing you next year in Atlanta! Please keep in mind, the Sustainability Committee for SCAA is still looking for volunteers for the coming year. Please contact Karyn Lee-Thomas of Signature Coffee Company if you are interested in participating.


Featured Coffee Colombia! New Crop Colombians have arrived! Our Colombians are cupping very nicely this year, including lots from Santa Marta, Tima and Kachalu. We are storing this coffee at The Annex, Continental and also in The Green Room! For more information on availability and pricing please contact Elan.

SHOP ONLINE Elan Organic Coffees 1205 J Street Suite F, San Diego, CA. 92101 Phone 619.235.0392 Fax 619.235.0394 for more information contact kayd@elanorganic.com "Every Bean Counts"