Cooperativa Departmental de Caficultores del Huila (Cadefihuila)

Cooperativa Departmental de Caficultores del Huila (Cadefihuila) is a 1st grade organization based in the state of Huila in south-western Colombia. The organization was originally set up in 1963 by just 19 members, with the aim of uniting small coffee producers in the region. Their mission was to increase their members’ income, solve social and economic problems, and protect themselves against the instability of the coffee market. After the coffee crisis of the 1990s, producers from other areas of Huila joined the group. This created the large and multi-departmental cooperative that Cadefihuila is today. Cadefihuila is now made up of almost 4,000 members from 25 municipalities. Women make up 11% of the membership. They were Fairtrade certified in 2014.

Cadefihuila’s mission is to support their members to shape a viable and sustainable future for their coffee business. They are able to offer the best possible price to their coffee producers, as well as provide technical services, farming products and access to international markets. The organization is growing fast and committed to becoming a world leader of specialty Colombian coffees.

Coffee growing and processing

Huila is a very diverse region both in terms of climate and landscape. This is why Cadefihuila is able to harvest coffee throughout the year. The south of the department is located in the Colombian massif, part of the Andes mountain range. The diverse climatic conditions and fertile soil create perfect conditions for growing a variety of high-quality coffees. Huila is the leading producer region of speciality coffees in Colombia.

Cadefihuila’s coffee is produced in a micro-lot structure. Producers pick ripe cherries, which are then washed, dried and processed into dry parchment. Members deliver their product to the cooperative’s headquarters where the coffee is sorted for quality and sent for export.

Quality, productivity and training

Cadefihuila has 2 technical assistance teams – one for agriculture and one for environmental sustainability. Training has been provided in crop management to increase quality and yields. This has already resulted in higher production levels.

Education

They plan to invest in the education of the members, their children and spouses. Scholarship funds are available to the children of producers.

Environment and productivity

The Fairtrade premium has been invested in training on the Fairtrade environmental criteria and how to farm sustainably without damaging the biodiversity of the ecosystem. A project is now being implemented to renovate the plantations to combat la roya (leaf rust disease).

Cooperative infrastructure and business strengthening activities

Cadefihuila have made great progress in providing coffee infrastructure, such as drying and milling facilities, to their members. They intend to develop their infrastructure further and upgrade their water treatment systems. They have also developed a business and marketing strategy for their coffee.

Coffee profile

Altitude:  1,600m

Smallholders:  3.1 ha on average

Total area of production:  9,922 ha

Coffee variety:  Arabica, Caturra, Tipica, Colombia, Castillo, Bourbon

Typical profile:  Fragrant and well-rounded with medium acidity

Harvest:  All year with peaks from May- July (north and west) and Oct-Dec (south)

Other certifications:  Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Cafe Practices, 4C