ATTENTION MISSIONAUTS, TIME FOR A REPUBLIC BOOTS ON THE GROUND UPDATE!

Allow us to introduce you to two remarkable individuals: Jake, our climate change and biodiversity researcher, and Massimo, who is armed with a financial background and a keen interest in agroecology. Their destination? Southwest Ethiopia, where they’ve teamed up with local experts to embark on one of Moyee’s most ambitious impact programs to date!

Moyee, a trailblazer in the coffee industry, has already established roasteries in Ethiopia and Kenya, making a significant economic impact. But that’s not all—driven by our commitment to social responsibility, we’ve revolutionized the industry by adopting the Living Income Reference Price. Gone are the days of vague “fair” price claims—Moyee is setting a new standard for transparency and fairness throughout their supply chains.

Now, here’s the exciting part! Moyee has been actively working on a revolutionary initiative known as the Mizan caffeinated reforestation program, proudly renamed as, you might already have heard it: “The Republic of Everyone.” It’s not just a glimpse into the future; it’s a groundbreaking vision that promises to shape the world of coffee and beyond. Check out www.therepublicofeveryone.com?to learn more!

"In Mizan we are on a mission to forge a direct and meaningful bond with the local community. Our goal is to ensure that every cup of coffee purchased leaves a positive impact on both the people of Bench Sheko and the environment."

- JAKE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY RESEARCHER

Nestled in the heart of Ethiopia, the Bench Sheko Zone stands as a vibrant and prolific coffee-producing region, previously known as Bench Maji. Despite its abundant potential, this region has often been overlooked, remaining somewhat secluded from the rest of the country’s development. Nonetheless, it boasts a stable climate and is graced with pristine afromontane forests, nurturing an extraordinary gene pool of heirloom coffee varieties, including the renowned Gesha Coffee.

Amidst the breathtaking beauty of Bench Sheko lies its stark reality – it remains the most persistently impoverished region in Ethiopia, lacking access to basic services and opportunities. Coffee producers here face numerous challenges, struggling to bring their beans to the market and falling victim to the whims of traders who dictate prices with impunity. But fear not, for Moyee is on a mission to tackle this massive problem head-on.

We have started our mission on a remarkable 240-hectare forest coffee plot in Guraferda. This Woreda (district) of Ethiopia is renowned for its honey production and boasts abundant high forest canopy. This lush canopy fosters exceptional biodiversity and provides the ideal shade for nurturing delicious Arabica coffee and a plethora of other crops.

By harnessing the power of FairChain, we aim to breathe new life into the region, empowering local coffee producers and infusing hope into every coffee bean. The lush forest canopy becomes a symbol of change, as it not only nurtures the growth of exquisite coffee but also fosters prosperity and sustainability for the entire community. A brighter future for Bench Sheko is on the horizon!

Guided by their expertise and passion, our dedicated local team is devoted to crafting a farm that exemplifies excellence in quality while optimizing productivity. But that’s not all—our mission goes beyond coffee and encompasses preserving biodiversity and carbon stocks. Our commitment to the local community remains unwavering, and we are determined to find the perfect harmony of scale and individual empowerment, unlocking a world of possibilities.

What’s on the agenda? An exciting process unfolds as we meticulously conduct an inventory and digitize the farm. Through these practices, we can seamlessly manage the crops, with coffee taking centre stage, and nurture our precious natural resources—envision biodiversity, water, soil, and so much more.

FarmTree, a specialized company in quantifying and forecasting agroforestry system performance, plays a crucial role in our journey. Through collaborating, Moyee aims to comprehend how the current production systems in the new coffee sourcing region compare. This invaluable insight will pave the way for practices that empower farmers to achieve a decent living income and actively sequester carbon.

Our team is embarking on an exciting reforestation and agroforestry project on an adjacent plot to the farm. To make this vision a reality, they are actively supporting the establishment of a diverse tree nursery. This nursery will supply a continuous stream of local shade trees, enticing spices like vanilla, and luscious fruit trees. As a locally managed initiative, it will equip the farming community with knowledge and diverse genetic resources, ultimately boosting farmer income. Pretty cool, right!?

Jake and Massimo are collaborating with local farmers to create production scenarios for the region and introduce more farmers to our blockchain program. With the wealth of knowledge and passion that Jake and Massimo bring to the table, we are determined to unlock the region’s full potential. By fostering a strong and symbiotic relationship with the local community, we aim to empower farmers, protect the environment, and elevate the coffee industry to new heights of sustainability and social responsibility. The result? A transformative experience that leaves a positive footprint for generations to come.

The mission unfolding in Mizan is truly one-of-a-kind, and we encourage you to stay tuned for regular impact updates. Who knows, you might have another opportunity to join us in supporting the local community while enjoying some perks for yourself!