The Aroma of Discovery

Imagine standing amidst the lush greenery of a coffee plantation in Wanagiri, Indonesia, where the scent of freshly picked coffee cherries fills the air. Every day, millions of people around the world savor their morning cup of coffee, but how many of us truly know where that coffee comes from? Lucina, one of our dedicated team members, recently spent a heartwarming day with Dewa, a passionate coffee farmer, and his family.

Together, they explored the farm, tasting various brews and listening to rich stories about tradition, resilience, and the profound connection between agriculture and community. This immersive experience revealed the sustainable practices being implemented by farmers like Dewa, while also highlighting a crucial gap in the coffee supply chain: many farmers remain unaware of where their coffee ultimately ends up, and consumers often don’t realize that by choosing to drink coffee from sustainable sources, they can help enhance the richness of nature.

Dewa’s Sustainable Farming Practices

Dewa’s family operates a thriving coffee plantation located near tourist accommodations in Wanagiri. One of the standout features of his farm is the practice of intercropping, where coffee plants grow alongside a variety of plants like avocados, cloves, and bananas. By embracing this diverse ecosystem, Dewa enhances biodiversity, which not only strengthens the health of the soil but also creates a vibrant environment in which coffee can flourish. Every cup of coffee you enjoy from Dewa reflects this harmony with nature, making your daily ritual a step toward supporting a thriving ecosystem.

The Role of a Community Leader

As the head of the farmer group in his community, Dewa’s role has evolved in recent years amidst the expanding tourism industry that often overlooks the voices of traditional village leaders. He has faced challenges in maintaining relationships with tourist venues while simultaneously advocating for the preservation of agricultural land. Nevertheless, Dewa is committed to improving his own farm and those of his neighbors through collaboration with organizations and universities. For instance, he utilizes a biogas digester from Su-re.co, transforming pig waste into cooking gas while showcasing how innovative solutions can benefit both the environment and the community.

Innovative Practices for a Sustainable Future

Dewa’s innovative farming practices truly reflect his commitment to sustainability. For example, he has started using fermentation water from the coffee processing stage as a natural pesticide, which can be stored for up to five years and helps minimize waste while promoting eco-friendly farming methods. Using coffee waste, such as husks, combined with Effective Microorganisms (EM4), he produces organic fertilizers that enrich the soil and support the health of the coffee plants.

Challenges in the Supply Chain

After the coffee is harvested, Dewa and his family take great pride in their meticulous post-harvesting processes, which include both wet and dry techniques leading up to roasting. Although he sells his coffee primarily at the green bean level, he is often uncertain about where his product ends up as it moves through the supply chain.

To make matters more complicated, environmental challenges like increased rainfall and rising temperatures have started to take a toll on Dewa's yields. The consequences of climate change, such as humidity causing root rot and soil runoff, have heightened the need for collaboration with universities and social enterprises to develop strategies for resilience.

The Importance of Knowing Origin

Dewa understands the significance of consumers knowing the origins of their coffee. The unique notes and flavors of Wanagiri coffee come from its distinctive terroir, which differs greatly from other coffee-producing regions like Kintamani, known for its more acidic profiles. While Wanagiri may not yet be organically certified, Dewa is committed to natural farming practices that respect the environment he cherishes.

Building Connections Through Transparency

As we gather insights from farmers like Dewa, we aim to create a meaningful connection between producers and the coffee drinkers who enjoy their products daily. By enhancing transparency in the food supply chain, we can empower consumers to make informed choices that support sustainable practices.

When you sip a cup of coffee sourced from Dewa, you’re not just enjoying a delicious beverage; you’re also contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the health of the planet. Dewa’s journey embodies the potential of sustainable agriculture to enrich both our lives and the natural world.

Bringing Transparency to the Coffee Supply Chain: A Journey Through Indonesian Farms