Smallholder farmers surrounding Ayla Washing Station

The Ayla Washing Station, located in the Bombe kebele of the Bensa woreda in Ethiopia’s Sidama zone, serves as a critical hub for hundreds of local smallholder farmers. Established in 2018 by Faysel A. Yonis, the founder of Testi Specialty Coffee, the station was named after his niece. It represents a significant investment in the region's processing infrastructure, providing a centralized facility for farmers who otherwise lack the means to process their own harvests to specialty standards. The station is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,950 to 2,150 meters above sea level, benefiting from the cool, humid climate and the proximity of the Bonera River, which provides the water necessary for washed processing.

The farmers who contribute to Ayla operate on a micro-scale, with most families managing tiny plots of land typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares. These farmers utilize traditional, organic cultivation methods, often intercropping coffee with food staples such as maize, enset, and various grains. The coffee trees are frequently shaded by native species like Birbira, Wanza, and Acacia, which help maintain soil health and provide a stable microclimate for the coffee cherries to mature slowly at high altitudes.

During the harvest season, these independent outgrowers selectively handpick ripe, red cherries and deliver them daily to the Ayla station. Because the farms are small, the labor is almost exclusively provided by the family unit. Upon arrival at the station, the cherries undergo rigorous visual inspection to remove underripe or damaged fruit. Depending on the desired profile, the station processes the coffee using either fully washed or natural methods. In the washed process, the cherries are pulped and fermented in tanks for 36 to 48 hours before being dried on raised beds.

The varieties cultivated by these farmers are primarily JARC-released selections, such as 74110 and 74158, which are prized for their genetic diversity and cup quality. These varieties, combined with the high-altitude growing conditions and the meticulous processing protocols overseen by Testi Specialty Coffee, result in coffees often characterized by floral, citrus, and stone fruit notes. The station’s management team is responsible for quality control, milling, and exporting, ensuring that the coffee meets international specialty standards.

For the farmers, the existence of the Ayla Washing Station provides a vital economic link. By collecting cherries directly from smallholders, the station allows farmers to bypass the logistical challenges and costs of transporting their own harvests to distant markets. Testi Specialty Coffee emphasizes a commitment to paying fair prices for these cherries, which is a cornerstone of their operational model. This relationship is further supported by initiatives aimed at investing in the communities where the company operates.

The success of the Ayla Washing Station is a testament to the collaborative nature of Ethiopian specialty coffee production. It bridges the gap between the traditional, small-scale farming practices of the Sidama region and the global demand for high-scoring, traceable coffee. By providing the necessary infrastructure for processing and quality assurance, the station enables these smallholder farmers to showcase the unique terroir of the Bombe highlands to roasters and consumers worldwide.