Kafa Forest Coffee

kafa forest coffee is a cooperative based in bonga, in the kaffa zone of southwest ethiopia, operating within the kafa biosphere reserve. the cooperative organizes smallholder farmers who harvest wild-grown and semi-wild arabica from indigenous forest, a production model that distinguishes kaffa region coffees from cultivated farm lots elsewhere in ethiopia. the cooperative is affiliated with the kaffa forest union, which holds organic and fair trade certifications. fair trade premiums received by the union have been directed toward community infrastructure including schools, health clinics, processing equipment, and seedling programs. coffee is sold as heirloom varietals, reflecting the genetic diversity of wild forest populations native to the region. green coffee is graded under the ethiopian commodity exchange system, with specialty lots falling in the grade 1 to 2 range based on defect count per 300g sample. microlots are available alongside full container orders. the kaffa region is also noted as a candidate for bird friendly sourcing given its intact forest canopy, though formal bird friendly certification status for this cooperative is not confirmed by available research. the cooperative primarily serves importers and roasters seeking certified, traceable ethiopian forest coffee.