Long Miles Coffee Project

Long Miles Coffee Project was established in 2011 by Ben and Kristy Carlson, who moved to Burundi after witnessing systemic injustices and inefficiencies within the country's newly privatized coffee industry. Their mission was to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers, who often lacked reliable market access, and roasters seeking high-quality, traceable specialty coffee. By focusing on the Kayanza region, the project sought to rewrite the narrative of Burundian coffee production through a model centered on transparency and long-term partnership.

At the heart of their operations are three washing stations in Burundi, which serve as hubs for processing coffee cherries delivered by approximately 5,500 smallholder farmers. Each farmer typically manages a small plot, often producing less than a single bag of coffee per year. Long Miles facilitates the collection, sorting, and processing of these cherries, ensuring that individual lots can be traced back to specific hills or washing stations, thereby maintaining the integrity of the specialty product.

Beyond processing, the project is deeply involved in agricultural extension services. They employ 'Coffee Scouts'—local community development officers who provide technical support to farmers. These scouts assist with essential practices such as pruning and mulching, which are critical for enhancing tree productivity and coffee quality. These efforts are supported by Farmer Field Schools and reforestation initiatives like 'Trees for Kibira,' which promote regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship within the coffee-growing communities.

Long Miles categorizes its output based on quality and traceability. Their 'micro-lots' represent the highest-scoring coffees, while coffees scoring between 84 and 85 points are blended and labeled by their specific washing station or 'hill' of origin. This tiered approach allows the project to maximize the value of the harvest for farmers while providing roasters with consistent, high-quality options that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Over the past decade, the project has expanded its scope beyond Burundi. Recognizing the potential in other East African regions, Long Miles has extended its operations into Western Kenya, particularly near Mount Elgon, and into the Rwenzori mountains of Uganda. This expansion reflects the founders' commitment to applying their holistic model of coffee production to new landscapes, continuing their focus on direct trade and community-based development.

Today, Long Miles Coffee Project stands as a significant entity in the specialty coffee sector, known for its emphasis on Ubuntu and grit. By prioritizing the needs of the farmer alongside the requirements of the roaster, the project has created a sustainable framework that addresses the challenges of climate resilience and economic volatility. Their work continues to be a vital link in the supply chain, ensuring that the complexities of Burundian and East African coffee production are communicated and valued in the global market.