ACCSO

The East Trading Association of Sustainable Coffee, ACCSO (by its Spanish meaning) was established in January 21, 2005 with the effort of men and women born in this region of the country.

ACCSO develops the following activities for its 150 members: • Training in quality coffee production to improve their availability of strengthening relationships with buyers.

• Provides its members with the tools they need to find niche market for their coffees.

• Builds wet millings, patios and cupping lab.

Our values are: - Integrity and trust - Solidarity and team work - Coffee quality production - Professional abilities - Clean production techniques and social development.

Our vision: Producing the best coffee crop or the east region, cultivated, harvested and traded following clean production techniques and social responsibility.

Our mission: To support small and medium size coffee farms of the region in the production and trading process aiming to receive premium prices and providing them with environmental, economical, technical and social assistance.

ACCSO is a private non profit association, political or religious tendencies. Its objective is to improve the economical and social status of small and medium size coffee producers establishing strategic alliances that allow to improve commercial business.

Geographic coverage: Zacapa department: La Unión, Zacapa and Usumatlan municipalities.

Chiquimula: Chiquimula, Camotán, Olopa, Quezaltepeque and Esquipulas municipalities.

Jutiapa: Santa Catarina Mita municipality.

In order to participate in the Cup of Excellence competitions, ACCSO did a contest among its members to select the best coffee produced. The winners were two brothers: DOMINGO and MARCO ANTONIO SANTOS FUENTES.

They have 10 years experience in producing coffee as a family business But they have been devoted to coffee production since they were 14 years old. Before they planted coffee, their grandfather used to grow grass for feeding cattle. They thought growing and processing coffee was going to be a good opportunity to improve their standards of living. Now, they have a total extension of 5 ha.

MICROCLIMATE CONDITIONS
Average temperature C: 25
Annual rainfall mm: 1500
Type of oil and predominant element: Loamy-Clay (Loamy: balance of clay, sand and limestone)
Relative humidity %: 25
Type of shade trees: Inga
Beginning of harvest: December End of harvest: April

FARM PROFILE
Mills in the farm: Wet mill
Drying method: Sun
Annual production (69 K): 1580
Temporary Employees: 20
Permanent Employees: 10
Certifications or awards: 1 auction award 2008