Uncommon Coffee Roasters (UCR) works directly with coffee farmers whenever possible. In 2017, we visited the Zalmari Coffee Estate (ZCE). The estate lies in the micro-region of Cachi, Orosi Valley in Costa Rica. Four generations of the family have worked to maintain a balance of environmentally friendly practices, support for the community and top-quality coffee.

ZCE is run by fourth generation Cecilia (Ceci) Genis and her mother, Marigold Murray. The estate was the first to obtain the Women Care Certification, a new certification designed to improve the sustainable lifestyle for women involved in the cultivation, processing, trading, and exporting of coffee. Ceci’s next goal is to build an onsite child care center, where the kids of the coffee pickers can have a safe place to play.