Kopakama

kopakama is a farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1998 in rutsiro district, western province, rwanda, situated above lake kivu. the cooperative works with smallholder members who tend family plots of up to one hectare with around 200 trees each, growing red bourbon and jackson arabica varieties alongside subsistence crops. kopakama operates its own washing station infrastructure and focuses on washed processing. cupping scores range from 86 to 89. the cooperative holds fairtrade certification dating to 2005, and added usda organic and rainforest alliance certifications in 2018. in 2011 kopakama established ejo heza, an all-women sub-cooperative producing a distinct lot. in 2013 the cooperative elected its first female president. kopakama exports to buyers in the us, uk, switzerland, japan, and china. a lot of washed bourbon was noted by scott conary, head judge at the alliance for coffee excellence, during a cup of excellence judging event. the cooperative's stated goal is to expand export markets and stabilise income for its roughly 200-tree-per-farmer membership base. buyers can reach kopakama directly via phone at +250 785 377 501 or +250 728 409 007.