Long Miles Project

The Long Miles Coffee Project was established in 2011 by Ben and Kristy Carlson, who sought to address the systemic injustices and market access challenges they observed within the newly privatized coffee industry in Burundi. After moving to the region, the founders identified a need for a more equitable model that could bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and the global specialty coffee market. Over the past decade, the project has evolved from a localized initiative in the Kayanza region of Burundi into a broader operation that now includes sourcing and production efforts in Western Kenya and the Rwenzori mountains of Uganda.

At the heart of the Long Miles model is a commitment to the thousands of smallholder farmers they partner with, many of whom cultivate coffee on very small plots of land. The project operates its own washing stations, which allows for rigorous control over processing methods and ensures that farmers receive higher prices for their coffee cherries. By focusing on traceability, Long Miles creates distinct microlots that highlight the specific characteristics of the hills where the coffee is grown, while also blending coffees that fall slightly below the microlot threshold into traceable 'Hills' lots.

Operational success at Long Miles is driven by a team of 'Coffee Scouts' and agricultural experts who work directly with farmers on the ground. These teams provide technical support for essential farming practices such as pruning and mulching, which are critical for maintaining tree health and improving yield quality. The project also runs Farmer Field Schools to educate producers on sustainable techniques, emphasizing the importance of long-term soil health and productivity in the face of a changing climate.

Environmental stewardship is a core pillar of the organization, most notably through the 'Trees For Kibira' project. This initiative focuses on planting indigenous African trees around the hills where their coffee is grown to mitigate climate change impacts and promote biodiversity. By integrating these reforestation efforts with their agricultural programs, Long Miles seeks to foster a more resilient coffee ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the livelihoods of the farmers involved.

Quality control is maintained through a dedicated laboratory team, which manages the processing chain and ensures that each harvest meets high specialty standards. The project is known for its traditional washed and natural processed coffees, though the team frequently experiments with processing methods to highlight the unique terroir of their partner regions. This focus on quality has allowed them to build long-term relationships with international roasters who value the transparency and impact-driven nature of the supply chain.

Beyond the technical aspects of coffee production, the project is guided by values such as 'Ubuntu' and 'Grit,' which define their approach to community development and collaborative problem-solving. By maintaining a physical presence in the regions where they operate, the Carlsons have built a model that prioritizes the human element of the coffee trade. Today, the Long Miles Coffee Project stands as a significant example of how private enterprise can be leveraged to create sustainable, high-quality coffee production while actively investing in the prosperity of farming communities.