Ato Tesfaye Bekele – the producer of this coffee and founder of Suke Quto Farm – is one of the people that put Guji speciality coffee on the map. From 1997-1999 Guji was terrorised by bushfires that ravaged 5000 acres of forest. After the fires, Tesfaye encouraged the locals who had returned, to grow coffee seedlings to help rebuild and conserve Guji’s remaining forest. After years of locals rejecting the idea, they saw Tesfaye’s vision and began planting his coffee seedlings.
Suke Quto Farm is stretched out over the highlands and valleys in Odo Shakisso and the farm benefits from rich volcanic soils in the area. Tesfaye further keeps the soil in shape by organic recycling through litterfall, root residue from coffee and shade trees.
Tesfaye works together with 171 outgrowers that deliver cherries to the Suke Quto Washing and Drying Station. More than 200 seasonal workers are needed to pick and process the Suke coffees.
