Coffee Producer Highlight - AMPROCAL
We had the privilege of speaking with Karen Rocivel Baca of AMPROCAL, our longstanding coffee producer partner and a women-run organization in Ocotepeque, Honduras that assists the hard working women entrepreneurs working in coffee production in the region.
Please tell us about yourself.
In 2010 I started working for AMPROCAL as the general accountant then, they invited me to join the association. At that time, I was the youngest being 19 years old. Now, I am 32 years old, I got married and have a beautiful 7-year-old daughter. I’m still working with AMPROCAL, in charge of the commercial and financial area. For me, it's an honor and I’m always motivated to be part of this and support many women who have big dreams in this industry.
How did you get your start in coffee?
Working as an accountant in AMPROCAL, I discovered that I wanted to be a coffee producer too. I grew up with this product in my life. I come from a coffee producer family and in the past, I spent every vacation recollecting coffee in the farms. In 2016, I already had some savings from my work as an accountant and I decided to buy a 1.6 hectares plot of land to plant my own farm. Finca Los Nances is more than a farm for me, it is the fruit of my hard work and dedication and I want to pass it on to my daughter.
Please tell us about the Asociación de Mujeres Procesadoras de Café la Labor (AMPROCAL).
AMPROCAL dedicates itself to the processing and sales of certified coffees, the roasting of coffee for local sale and the microfinance of business opportunities for women members. The association was founded by 10 women coffee producers and today has a membership of 175 and provides 13 permanent and 500 seasonal employment. AMPROCAL is recognized for being the only association of 100% women producers in the region and is a business that is focused on both the economic and social development of its members and communities. Through finance and education, AMPROCAL supports women to become better and more efficient farmers.
What's your favorite part of your job?
One is when the coffee harvesting season starts, seeing all the women involved in the coffee farms is the most wonderful part. Then they give us the coffee and we work hand by hand. This fills our hearts every time. Another one, is when we see the people on the other side of the world enjoying every single sip of the coffee that we harvest with all the effort and love.
What advice would you give women who are interested in working in the coffee industry?
To every single woman, I would recommend to establish and visualize their goals, what do they like, where do they want to be, and what do they need to do to accomplish that. I would also tell them, to get involved in each stage of the coffee process, this way, they will find something that they like and convert it in their passion, everything that is done with love and passion is well done. Also, do not limit yourself, we are capable of everything that we put our mind and energy into, we just only need to recognize and ask for help when needed.
Click here to learn more about AMPROCAL or to shop this coffee.
