From the mountainous region of Ilicnea, change is happening for the better.
When we travelled across Ilicnea in 2023, in the Sul De Minas region of Brazil, we experienced first hand the incredible mountainous ranges and Microclimate of this part of Brazil, working in perfect harmony with the varied biomes throughout the region enabling farmers to grow complex and delicious varietal crops.
As part of the Cocatrel Cooperative in Tres Pontas, Sul De Minas there is a group that was started this year for the female farmers who are part of the Cooperative.
The Cafeina Group are made up of 21 % of the members of the Cocatrel Cooperative equating to 1154 women producers. The idea was to encourage the engagement of these female producers in the decision making process of the Cooperative. They are organised to have meeting every two months to improve their education and knowledge but also to increase their visibility in the coffee growing community and promote their involvement.
Iandra Vilela who is head of the Cafeina group for Cocatrel was recognised this year with an award for 'Women in Coffee'. She won it for being an inspiration to other Women in the coffee industry in Brazil.
