Samii Lalesa is grown by smallholder farmers surrounding the Alemayehu Tilahun Washing Station in Lalesa. The landscape is densely planted with layered vegetation - coffee grows beneath shade trees, including the distinctive ‘false banana,’ creating a natural canopy that protects both soil and plant life. This semi-forest style of farming reflects longstanding agricultural traditions in Gedeo, where coffee forms part of a diverse agroecosystem that improves soil health and contributes to the steady, slow maturation of coffee cherries.
The washing station was established in 2018 by Alemayehu Tilahun, a local producer with nearly 2 decades of experience. Built with the intention of sourcing cherries directly from neighbouring farmers, the station has become a central point for processing and quality control within the community. Today, it operates in partnership with Origin Land Coffee, strengthening connections and visibility between producers and export markets.
Seasonal buying is about seeing coffee as a crop not a commodity, buying in harmony with the growing seasons to enjoy coffee at its best. This kind of buying has always been the backbone of our business and it’s something we’ve improved and refined every year.
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