Coffee roasting firm and equipment supplier, Matthew Algie has secured financial backing through the Fair Development Fund (FDF) to sustainably grow the Ugandan coffee industry.
The six-figure award from the FDF – a fund run by Comic Relief and Sainsbury’s to support small scale farmers working in developing countries – the Gumutindo Sustainability Project will improve coffee quality and farming practices.
The company will work with Gumutindo Coffee Cooperative in Eastern Uganda and ethical trading organisation, Twin, to deliver the project. Matthew Algie will assist farmers in the Mount Elgon in becoming triple certified with Fairtrade, Rainforest Allliance and organic.
“We want to use our expertise to support the implementation of change across the board,” said Matthew Algie’s Technical Director, Ewan Reid. “From simple enhancements such as improved harvesting and coffee cherry processing that will develop the quality of the coffee, right down to buying and roasting the coffee - with a view to Sainsbury’s cafés brewing it for their customers - we are looking forward to working with farmers on this exciting new project.”
The initiative will support climate adaptation and will increase capacity and improve coffee quality, meaning more coffee can be sold at better prices.