SEASONAL Growers

Founded in 1960, Coope Tarrazú is based in Costa Rica and represents over 5,000 coffee-producing members. Alongside producing some of the country’s most recognised coffees, the cooperative invests in renewable energy, water conservation and biodiversity protection, while supporting local education and childcare programmes that safeguard children within coffee-growing communities. 

This year’s blend features a naturally processed coffee from the San Francisco community within the Tarrazú region. Through its Community Lots project, Coope Tarrazú members direct coffee premiums towards local initiatives, including Casa de la Algeria (‘Houses of Joy'), a childcare programme providing safe, nurturing spaces for the children of migrant coffee-picking families while their parents work. 

Since 2011, DR Wakefield, our family-run green coffee merchant, has raised over $107,000 for Coope Tarrazú's community initiatives through premiums paid on green coffee. These contributions have helped fund everything from school support and playgrounds to improvements in local roads, healthcare and water supplies. 

When harvest season arrives at Tarrazú, around 19,000 coffee pickers flock to the area. Recognising the importance of supporting the migrant workers, the cooperative launched a project in 2019 called Casa de La Algeria called ‘Houses of Joy’. 

These ‘houses’ serve as care centres specifically designed for the children of coffee pickers who migrate alongside their families from nearby regions. Throughout the picking period, while their parents work on the farms, the children receive dedicated care, nutritious meals and opportunities to learn and play. By keeping children safe and supported, they reduce their exposure to the risk of child labour. 

By 2023, the project had helped establish 19 centres, employ 51 staff and provide care for around 1,100 children. It has also created valuable employment opportunities for women in the local community.