Climate-durable coffee
At the moment, a losing battle is being fought against climate change in Kenya. The seasons are becoming drier and rainfall less predictable. This has begun to negatively affect the rate at which coffee trees flower and produce fruit, resulting in smaller harvests.
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To counteract this issue, Lot 20 are aiming to provide farmers with the seedlings of more climate-durable varietals that flower all at once, bringing about a more reliable crop and harvest time, ultimately resulting in farmers getting the best harvest and biggest income for their hard work.​​
Working together
Lot 20 are partnering with Peruvian coffee partner Khipu for an exchange of varietals: In exchange for 4kg of Kenyan Batian and SL 28 seeds, Lot 20 will receive 4kg (roughly 30,000) Marshell and Geisha seeds.
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The Marshell varietal is a mutation of bourbon, and has been identified as having both a pleasant flavour, as well as a natural resistance to disease and varying climates.
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Though Geisha is a notoriously fickle crop to cultivate, Lot 20 have requested a smaller amount of this varietal for its refined cupping profile, which will be used to improve coffee quality across the board.
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Working with fellow producer Khipu means that Lot 20 will be receiving high quality, genetically pure seeds from a trusted source who has experience in cultivating these varietals successfully.
Price Breakdown
Seedling Acquisition
$680
Lot 20 are partnering with Peruvian coffee sourcing partner Khipu to import 30,000 coffee seeds: 20,000 of the Marshell varietal, and 10,000 of the Peruvian Geisha varietal. These seeds will have to be freighted to Kenya at a cost of $200.
Nursery Equipment
$350
To ensure proper cultivation of the seeds, Lot 20 needs to set up a nursery for them to grow in. Equipment for this nursery will include potting bags, shade nets, fertilisers, pest control options, and basic tools like shovels and watering cans.
Labour costs
$150
$150 will cover the cost of nursery construction and management, as well as training for the farmers who will receive the seedlings to make sure that they will successfully raise these new varietals for harvest.
Total Cost : $1180
