The Community Project is the inspiration for the El Borbollon mill, owned and operated by fourth-generation producer Eduardo Alvarez. Focused on small growers in the mill area with the potential to cultivate high-quality lots and the desire to pursue a sustainable production model, the project launched with a roster of 25 farmers with an average of 5 ha at a high altitude on the lush hills of Santa Ana, one of the main growing areas in El Salvador. The project has since expanded to include 100 farmers.
El Borbollon launched a collaboration that ensured greater returns and better conditions for the producers involved in the Community Project. For some, the project represented their first time meeting with buyers directly to learn about their focus of interest. This community blend is composed of lots of washed coffees. After around 24 hours of dry fermentation, cherries are washed, and sun-dried on clay patios and raised beds for approx. 16 days.
The El Borbollon mill is managed by Eduardo Alvarez, whose coffee DNA dates back to 1892. Under Eduardo’s direction, El Borbollon has focused on increasing its access to specialty markets. The mill provides technical assistance and guidance to the smallholders they work with to create possibilities for their collaborators. The result: 15 high-altitude farms have placed in the country’s Cup of Excellence competition; 10 have won their categories; 4 (including Finca La Reforma, part of the Alvarez farming estate) received the CoE Presidential award for scores over 90 points.
