Guatemala Huehuetenango FTO & BF

• Origin: Central America, Guatemala
• Region: Huehuetenango
• Farm: Guaya'b Asociacion Civil
• Variety: Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, Maragogype, Pache
• Altitude:1400 - 2200 masl
• Process: Washed
• Certifications: Fair Trade, Organic, Bird Friendly

Fair Trade and organic-certified coffees from Guatemala are moderately common, as many smallholder producers have organized themselves into democratically run cooperatives and have achieved certification in part to leverage the value of their coffee output. Guatemala's coffee sector sees participation from many groups of indigenous producers, who typically have a strong cultural connection with preserving and conserving the land and natural resources, making organic certification a relevant choice.

Guaya'b Asociacion Civil is a group of coffee and honey producers in Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The association was established in 1998 with 54 producers and achieved their Fair Trade and Organic certifications in 1999. Their members are entirely from the Popti', Kanjobal and Mam ethnic groups, who practice ancestral practices that are respectful of the natural environment. This cooperative is also Bird Friendly® Certified, which is a certification developed in the late 1990s to conserve habitat and protect migratory songbirds by the Smithsonian Institute. Bird Friendly habitat ensures a mix of foliage cover, tree height, and biodiversity that creates quality habitat for birds and other wildlife. This certification provides farmers with a premium for their products, and because of stringent growing standards, the Bird Friendly program is also a critical asset in fighting climate change.