Mexico Ismam
Cooperative Ismam San Isidro Labrador is located in the Sierra Madre region in Southern Mexico. The region is characterized by poor infrastructure, unemployment and low life expectancy rates. In response to these adversities, community church leaders founded Cooperative Ismam in 1986. Ismam is an effort to secure a just price for local coffee and to help sustain natural resources.
Modern day organic cultivation employs the same methods passed down from the ancestors of the indigenous. Ismam's members are almost 99% indigenous from Mam, Mache, Tzotzil, Tojolabal, Jacalteco and Tzeltal. Ismam's farms, milling and transport operations have received six independent organic certification, SKAL/ECO in the Netherlands, Naturland in Germany, VSBLO in Switzerland, OCIA in the US and Canada, Biodynamic Institute for Rural Studies of Brazil and AMAE in Mexico. All of Ismam's coffee is grown at high altitudes and farm sizes vary between 1-10 acres. Ismam is also Bird Friendly® certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
At the age of 20, Eimar Velazquez Mazariegus started working in the department of coffee processing and roasting for Ismam. Eimar grew up surrounded by Ismam activists, as both his mother and his adopted father have been members of the association for over 10 years. After five years of attending university classes on Saturdays, Eimar completed 9 semesters to finish his undergraduate degree in technology. Upon receipt of his degree he was promoted to Export Manager, his present position since August of 2006. This position has helped him to define his job responsibilities, which has made the Association much more effective.
He is determined to work to find the best market and price for the coffee of the members of Ismam, as well as continue to work for the benefit of the community. Through his work at Ismam, Eimar has been able to support his family and education. He even received a scholarship from Ismam. He has also had the opportunity to attend Expo Cafe, Expo Antad and Expo Organico. Don Laura, Eimar's mother, is very proud of him and they both realize that together they have accomplished a better life.
Altitude:1800-5400 feet
Variety: Typica, Bourbon
Processing Method: Washed
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Species: Arabica
Harvest: December to March
Cup Characteristics: mild, soft acidity, well balanced nutty, earthy flavor
