From our friends at Café Imports:

This mill, founded by Yolan Tirta in 2016, is nestled in Panaikang Village in the Gowa Regency of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. As a third-generation coffee producer, Yolan has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the region's coffee industry. Recognizing the potential for specialty coffee in South Sulawesi, he introduced advanced cultivation and processing methods, transforming local farming practices and elevating the quality of coffee produced.

The mill lies at an elevation of 1250 meters above sea level, with the neighboring and contributing farms benefiting from fertile volcanic soil, a tropical climate, and abundant rainfall—ideal conditions for cultivating mixed varietals such as Typica and S795. These beans are processed using both washed and natural methods here, with innovative drying solutions like greenhouses to counter the region's high humidity. The area’s biodiversity, supported by conservation forests, includes monkeys, birds, and civets, ensuring that coffee farming coexists harmoniously with nature. Notably, the coffee is grown without chemical fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods that enhance sustainability.

The efforts of Yolan and his team have created a ripple effect in the community. By establishing mini mills and drying stations, he has empowered local farmers to meet the demands of the specialty coffee market. The farm’s achievements, including recognition for its washed and natural processes, have inspired greater enthusiasm for coffee farming in the region. Yolan's future goals include improving processing facilities with additional drying houses and higher-capacity pulpers to enhance production and quality further.

Through his dedication, Yolan Tirta has not only elevated the reputation of South Sulawesi coffee but has also laid the foundation for a sustainable and thriving coffee ecosystem that benefits farmers, the environment, and coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

Enjoy!