My first exploration memory was following my older brother on my tiny red tricycle. I knew I wasn’t supposed to go because he could ride much faster than I, and maybe I might get lost . . . but I couldn’t resist. I had never been more than 2 houses away, but I figured if the road goes there, and my brother goes there, than why can’t I? That expedition ended in tears and my dad coming to take me home.
Twenty years later I went down another unknown path to the northeastern slope of the Andes of Peru, to volunteer as a teacher for a year. During that time I met many coffee farmers who had one simple request; “Do you think you could help us sell our coffee at a higher price?”
That single question has been the propelling force in my coffee expedition. The need to explore, question & educate ourselves as we explore the world of coffee has fascinated me. 10 years ago I assumed everyone knew the lay of the coffee landscape. Since that time I’ve come to learn that the valleys and peaks are much less explored than our industry would cause one to think.
Sadly many industry leaders are content to live in ignorance, afraid of getting lost in the questions. So they proudly and loudly claim the conquest of quality & sustainability is over. Meanwhile farmers around the globe are left to fend for themselves and wade through the mountains of misinformation as they try to answer their basic “higher price” question.
The purpose of this website is to encourage coffee industry exploration and to present a few of the thoughts I’ve encountered on my coffee expedition.
Happy coffee trails,
K.C.
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