El Fénix Coffee Wet Mill – Empowering Colombian Coffee Farming Communities – Successful Crowfunding #2

el fenix coffee wet mill community coffee crowdfunding
el fenix coffee wet mill community coffee crowdfunding

Introduction: El Fenix Coffee Wet Mill

In the breathtaking landscapes of Calarcá, Colombia, a transformative initiative is unfolding—El Fénix, a community coffee wet mill led by Matt Graylee of Raw Material. This visionary project aims to establish a professional coffee mill, bringing stable income to local coffee farming communities. Let’s explore the intricacies of this Kickstarter campaign and discover the exciting rewards it presents.

El Fénix : Video Introduction

Planting Success

  1. Backer Rewards: From coffee trees with customer name to rare variety plantations, backers reaped unique rewards.
  2. Community Wet Mill: El Fénix birthed a hub with a cupping lab and guest room, transforming dreams into reality.
  3. Diverse Varieties: Gesha, Wush Wush, Pink Bourbon – a rich tapestry of coffee diversity was woven.

Sowing Sustainability

  • Shade Trees: Native species embraced to foster the ideal coffee environment and revive natural ecosystems.
  • Global Impact: The Kickstarter ripple effect reached 20,000 families globally, expanding wet mill initiatives.

Brewing Excellence

  • Quality Triumphs: Techniques honed at El Fénix conquered Timor-Leste’s coffee competitions.
  • Beyond Borders: A Kickstarter impact that transcends borders, fostering global initiatives.

The Campaign

Matt Graylee, utilizing Kickstarter, is securing funds for El Fénix, a venture dedicated to uplifting coffee farmers by enhancing the quality of their coffee and integrating them into the specialty coffee market. Launched in December 2016, the campaign successfully gained support from 357 backers, contributing a total of 209,354 NZ dollars, surpassing the initial goal of 100,000 NZ dollars.

Rewards for Supporters

The campaign offers a diverse array of captivating rewards for backers, ranging from tree dedications and founder status to receiving freshly roasted coffee from the upcoming May/June 2017 harvest. Backers can choose from different reward tiers based on their contributions, with each tier featuring unique perks, including the opportunity to name lots, a seven-day trip to Colombia, and even a chance to consult with coffee competition expert John Gordon.

The Heart of the Project

El Fénix addresses a significant challenge faced by coffee producers globally—the volatility of raw coffee prices. The initiative seeks to empower farmers by granting them greater control over the quality of their coffee and direct access to the specialty coffee market. The community wet mill is poised to enhance the quality of coffee processing, ensuring a predictable income for farmers and fostering a thriving farming community.

Project Goals and Milestones

The Kickstarter campaign outlines specific goals based on funding milestones. Upon reaching 150,000 NZ dollars, the first-year construction of amicro dry mill and cupping lab is planned. At the 200,000 NZ dollar mark, facilities for hosting visitors, including overseas buyers and local farmers, will be established, fostering transparency and ownership in negotiations.

Risks and Mitigations

While potential challenges such as community involvement, market demand, and maintaining high-quality standards exist, El Fénix has a robust plan in place. The project team, consisting of professional cuppers, agronomists, coffee competition judges, and industry experts, is dedicated to providing continuous feedback and support. Additionally, measures are implemented to mitigate risks related to crop diseases, highlighting the project’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

Q&A Section

Q: How does El Fénix ensure community involvement?

A: Community involvement is already underway, facilitated by fixed-price agreements. The project has garnered enthusiastic support from local farmers, ensuring active participation.

Q: What sets El Fénix apart in terms of quality control?

A: El Fénix boasts a team of advisors, including cupping experts, agronomists, and industry professionals, ensuring stringent quality control measures and continuous improvement.

Q: How does the project address the risk of crop diseases impacting the region?

A: El Fénix tackles this risk by promoting crop diversity and encouraging neighbors to plant a variety of coffee with different genetics, enhancing resilience against diseases.

Q: How does the wet mill work? Video about Wet Mill

Conclusion

El Fénix – Community Coffee Wet Mill stands as a symbol of hope for Colombian coffee farming communities. Through Kickstarter, Matt Graylee and Raw Material have embarked on a mission to revolutionize the coffee industry, ensuring fair compensation for hardworking farmers and delivering exceptional coffee to the world.


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