Sustainable, organic coffee farming
Rwandan shade-grown coffee
At Tropic, we are proud to grow organic, 100% Rwandan shade-grown coffee.
We train our farmers in the best agriculture practices from seedling preparation to planting and harvesting. We have set up a field school in each village for training.
We support our farmers to nurture and protect their coffee plants through sustainable, organic and shade-grown practices.
They plant coffee trees in well-spaced rows allowing light penetration and air movement to help plants grow well. Windbreaks protect the coffee trees from high mountain winds. For crop diversity and food, our farmers plant cassava, beans, maize and bananas.
Farmers mulch the coffee plants with rice straw, banana leaves or other available compostable materials. Mulching helps to reduce the amount of weeding required. Weeding is done at least four times per year, especially in the wet season.
What is shade-grown coffee?
Shade-grown coffee is produced by growing coffee plants under trees. It uses natural ecology to support and encourage growth and is part of our organic farming practices.
Our farmers plant shade trees to protect the young coffee plants from drought stress and over-exposure to sun.
Shade trees contribute to soil health by providing organic matter and nutrients from leaf fall and pruning. They also absorb nitrogen from the air, restoring soil fertility and structure.
When our cherries are ready to be harvested, they are bright red and sweet like honey. Some have a jasmine aroma or berry-like notes.