Quarterly Progress Report: Proyecto Comunidad de Cafés Especiales

The project focuses on four main components: production technology under agroforestry systems, good practices in post-harvest processing, market articulation for specialty coffee, and strategic alliances to strengthen the coffee industry. Component 2, Production Technology under Agroforestry Systems, involves training and technical assistance to farmers, development of a manual on good practices, and establishment of demonstration plots. By the end of the first quarter, 15 demonstration plots had been established, and farmers had begun to produce coffee and forest plantations. Consultancy services from Catie recommended agroforestry systems and shade management. Component 3, Good Practices in Post-Harvest Processing, includes the development of a manual on protocols and standards for coffee processing, evaluation of the physical and sensory quality of coffee, and automation of the drying process. By the end of the first quarter, 3,200 farmers had been evaluated, and the drying process had been automated at Cooperativa la Florida. Component 4, Market Articulation for Specialty Coffee, involves participation in international fairs, competition "taza de excelencia," creation of a plan for promoting coffee at international fairs, and a commercial mission to the United States. By the end of the first quarter, the project had participated in the Feria Internacional de Café Especiales – FICAFE 2022, the Campeonato de barismo y catadores, and national fairs. Component 5, Strategic Alliances to Strengthen the Coffee Industry, includes the development of a plan for gender and vulnerable populations, a plan for environmental monitoring and mitigation, and communication strategies. By the end of the first quarter, the project had developed a plan for gender and vulnerable populations, a plan for environmental monitoring and mitigation, and communication materials. The project team consists of Geni Fundes, Director General of Central Café y Cacao del Perú, Jorge Iglesias, Technical Coordinator, and María Franco, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist from DevWorks International. The project is managed by Stella Coello, Agreement Officer Representative from USAID's Alternative Development Office. The project has a budget of $5,700,000.00 and has subcontracts with DevWorks International for administrative activities, monitoring and evaluation, and technical assistance. The project has also received consultancy services for legal, labor, and IT support. The project has made significant progress in the first quarter, including the establishment of demonstration plots, evaluation of coffee quality, and participation in international fairs. However, the project still faces challenges, including the selection of a new extensionist and the completion of office renovations.