In its early years, the members of Aprocassi proved their dedication and resilience by overcoming a crisis in 2005 that almost led to the cooperative's collapse. During the peak harvest season, two full containers of coffee were stolen while being transported to the port, a devastating blow to the cooperative. Despite this significant loss, the members came together and developed an even stronger commitment. This challenging period demonstrated the determination of Aprocassi members to overcome obstacles and move forward together.

 

An important figure in this journey was Luis Peña, the manager of Aprocassi. A young and dynamic leader from the region, Luis started his journey with Aprocassi as one of its producing members. His deep understanding of the local farmers' needs, derived from his personal experience, enabled him to manage and support the cooperative effectively. Under Luis's leadership, Aprocassi implemented technical assistance programs for farms, launched social projects, and acquired essential infrastructure, including an office and a warehouse. These initiatives played a significant role in the cooperative's growth and success.

 

The region where Aprocassi operates has a temperate climate with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, ideal for coffee cultivation. The mountainous terrain and lush forests are home to diverse wildlife, including tapirs, toucans, deer, and the moor owl. This unique ecosystem supports the production of high-quality coffee.

 

Located in the northern highlands of Peru, the Cajamarca region is home to Peru Aprocassi, a coffee cooperative that serves remote areas inhabited by many indigenous Inca communities. These communities rely on subsistence farming and coffee production, with most smallholders managing less than 2-3 hectares each. The region, characterized by the Andean mountains, offers high altitudes, fertile soil, and lush jungle environments—perfect conditions for coffee growing. Despite the challenging terrain that makes access difficult and often leads to reliance on intermediaries, recent efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture have helped producers organize and gain better access to markets. These efforts have also facilitated education on farming practices, processing, and coffee quality improvements.

 

Peru Aprocassi coffee is grown at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level in this ideal microclimate. The processing method involves sorting cherries through flotation and machine pulping, followed by 18 to 24 hours of anaerobic fermentation. The coffee is then washed in ceramic containers, sorted through sieves, and dried on patios or using solar drying techniques for 5 to 15 days, depending on weather conditions.

 

The Cooperativa de Servicios Multiples Aprocassi comprises 32 producers from the provinces of Jaen and San Ignacio in the Cajamarca region. The cooperative is dedicated to continuous self-improvement, prioritizing gender equity, engaging younger generations, and training community leaders to make informed business decisions that benefit the group.

 

Aprocassi is also committed to environmental sustainability and combating climate change. One of its significant initiatives is a reforestation project, which involves planting seedlings on the farms of producer partners in San Ignacio and Jaen. This project not only helps restore forested areas but also creates beneficial microclimates. The vegetation captures carbon, regulates water cycles, and falling leaves enhance soil fertility. These environmental efforts contribute to increased coffee yields and quality, making coffee farming more sustainable and profitable for Aprocassi members.