Women of the Asprasar Cooperative

The Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de Santa Rosa (ASPRASAR) is a cooperative based in the Saldana highlands of southern Tolima, Colombia. Comprising approximately 79 smallholder farmers, the cooperative operates in a region where coffee is cultivated at elevations exceeding 1,700 meters. The average farm size for members is roughly 2.5 hectares, and the organization is recognized for its focus on regenerative organic agriculture, which emphasizes soil health, ecosystem restoration, and social fairness alongside standard organic practices.

Within this cooperative, a specific group of 30 women producers has organized under the name MOKABYHS, an acronym for 'Mujeres Caficultoras de Bilbao y Herrera.' This name honors the two communities where these women live and work. As independent producers, these women manage their own farms and oversee the entire coffee production cycle, from the initial harvest to the final processing stages. Their involvement is comprehensive, ensuring that they maintain direct control over the quality and output of their crops.

Beyond their individual farm management, the women of MOKABYHS maintain a distinct leadership role within the broader ASPRASAR structure. They operate a dedicated women’s committee that manages a registered brand for roasted and ground coffee sold within the local market. This initiative allows the group to capture more value from their production and provides a platform for their leadership in the regional coffee sector, extending their influence beyond raw bean export.

ASPRASAR as a whole provides its members with essential technical support, including training on harvesting at optimal ripeness and access to infrastructure for fermentation and drying. The coffee produced by the cooperative is typically processed using a washed method, often involving a 36 to 48-hour fermentation period. This meticulous approach to processing, combined with the high-altitude terroir of Tolima, results in a cup profile often characterized by notes of dark chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and fig.

The cooperative’s commitment to regenerative organic standards has garnered attention from international roasters and distributors. By adhering to these rigorous benchmarks, ASPRASAR ensures that its members receive support for agricultural activities and community development. This model of ethical sourcing is designed to provide direct compensation to farmers, helping to sustain the livelihoods of smallholders in the Tolima region.

In the broader context of the Colombian coffee industry, the work of the women in ASPRASAR reflects a growing movement toward gender equity and professionalization among female coffee growers. While women perform a significant portion of agricultural labor globally, they have historically faced barriers to resources and leadership. The MOKABYHS group serves as a concrete example of how organized producer groups can overcome these challenges, fostering economic sustainability and technical capacity within their communities.

Today, the coffee produced by the ASPRASAR cooperative is featured by various specialty roasters, sometimes highlighted specifically for its regenerative organic certification. The story of the women of Asprasar stands as a testament to the importance of producer-led organizations in maintaining the quality and future of specialty coffee, ensuring that the individuals responsible for the crop are active participants in the economic and social development of their region.