Behind The Leaf
This is a research profile, not an independently conducted farm visit. Producer and coffee relationships are shown only when the records agree. Check the research sources below for supporting evidence.
The story
Behind the Leaf was founded in 2016 by Melanie Edwards, an American who had previously spent over a decade in Southeast Asia working on clean water initiatives. The project was established to provide economic opportunity and agricultural education to the Pa-O people in the Pinlaung region of Myanmar. By organizing smallholder farmers, the project aims to transition communities toward sustainable coffee production.
Challenges
The project operates in remote, off-the-grid villages that often lack stable power sources and proper roadways. Additionally, the region faces significant socio-economic hurdles, including the prevalence of opium production, which the project seeks to address by providing sustainable agricultural alternatives.
Innovations
Behind the Leaf operates a micro-mill to centralize processing and quality control for independent smallholders. They utilize specific fermentation techniques, such as 24-hour natural anaerobic processing, and implement sustainable water filtration technologies in the communities they serve.
Research sources & verification
These source links were recorded for this farm profile. They document its research trail; a linked source is not, by itself, confirmation of every farm, producer, coffee lot or photo identity.
Research last reviewed: 2026-09-27