Deep in the interior of Colombia’s department of Cauca lies the province of Inzá, known in Colombia as La Tierra Adentro. On a good day, it is a two hour drive from Popayán and La Plata in either direction, but frequent mudslides and road closures mean it’s often not easily accessible. On clear days in the village of Inzá, one can see straight up to the Nevado del Huila, the highest volcano in Colombia. The famous Paez river runs east through the valley, connecting Cauca and Huila. Very little coffee is grown below 1750 masl with a great portion growing at 1900 masl. Caturra, Castillo, and Typica are found in the region, with Caturra being the dominant variety. Coffee producers of Inzá often share similar values and traditions. Typically handed down through inheritance, each farm is 1-2 hectares and produces 1300 kilos of parchment coffee per season on average. Community members or day laborers are hired during the harvest season while each family maintains their own farm throughout the year. Cherry is processed for defects, depulped and dried on site. Parchment coffee is loaded onto a mule for transport or driven to the nearest dry mill.
Asorcafe was founded in 2004 by ten coffee growers who were tired of selling their coffee to parchment buyers who only offered prices below the national market. Asorcafé exudes an entrepreneurial spirit as they have become leaders of their coffee growing region. Asorcafé, in conjunction with private and state organizations, provides aid to their members including subsidies for domestic economy, education, job training, and healthcare services.
