#1 - Mamy Dioubaté together with micro farmers 

Mamy Dioubaté was born in Guinea, did his doctorate in Germany and only later returned to his original homeland. He re-discovered the region of Macenta and the Ziama massif - a 1,384 m high mountain range surrounded by one of the densest rainforest areas in West Africa. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 22 protected species.

The high altitude and the special humid microclimate of the Macenta region offer excellent growing conditions which, in combination with state-of-the-art processing techniques, result in excellent quality coffee.

Coffee growing is not a new practice in the region, but lack of direct market has never made it an attractive economic activity to the locals. Yet the local conditions are extremely good for high-quality speciality, or fine robusta. Mamy is commited to changing that and making their Macenta Beans known to the world. He’s been devoting a lot of energy to this young but solid project and we at Horizonte are happy to be one of their early supporters.

The whole region has been benefiting from fair trade practice where farmers are paid three times more than the usual market price. In addition, sustainable practices were brought to the region to create more jobs out of the coffee season, such as fruit and vegetable projects.

With a care for the environment, no fertilisers, no chemicals are used. They practice waste-free production and the Robusta trees create habitats for bees and insects and improves soil conditions since it’s not grown in monoculture.

#2 - Jonny Melo

If you haven’t yet experienced Colombian hospitality, you will be surprised to know that what was meant as a business visit to the Melo family farm turned into a big family lunch with us “gringos” trying their local delicacies.

Here at Horizonte it’s extremely important that we get to know the farmers in person. Knowing their history, their farm and understanding the way they cultivate coffee inspires us to roast beans in a respectful way that is adequate to the journey of each bean, from the soil to the cup. And we love South American hospitality!

Jonny Melo is one of the sons of Nelson Melo, born in Samaniego, Colombia. Nelson moved to the Caldas region, 900km away from his origin, to escape the constant threats of armed conflicts in that region. With his wife Maria Bercelia Ortega, he bought Hacienda Bellavista. Jonny has always helped his father with the farm. Some years ago, Nelson rewarded him with a piece of land where he could grow his own beans. That, we must say, is a great honor for a young coffee grower. Jonny took this opportunity with commitment and enthusiasm and in his short time as an individual coffee grower, has received two awards.