This year “Moving Forward Together!” is the theme Women’s History Month honoring women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. It highlights their pivotal roles in shaping minds, fostering progress, and inspiring transformative action. This celebration recognizes past and present contributions while encouraging future generations to continue advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to launch our newest roast, Woman Power Zongolical – Mexico Zongolica (WPZ). Woman Power Zongolica is a cooperative of 20 women-owned farms in the Zongolica region of Veracruz, Mexico. These farmers adhere to the same sustainable farming practices, each pulping coffee cherries with hand-cranked de-pulpers and washing and drying them on patios for 15 days. Through this initiative, these women are creating opportunities for future generations while contributing to the global coffee industry.
Women’s History Month celebrates five major themes:
The Power of Education in Advancing Gender Equality
At Mad River Coffee, we take pride in the fact that our management team is 100% female-led. Our Roaster, Kitchen Manager, Front House Manager, and Executive Chef are all women dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the coffee and food industries. We prioritize education and training by utilizing the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension for food safety management, the Specialty Coffee Association for roaster training, and the NH Coffee Festival for front management skills. Additionally, every new barista at our coffeehouse participates in a structured training program that includes a coffee clinic to help them advance to higher levels of expertise.
Globally, 70% of all coffee is picked and processed by women, yet only 20% of farms are woman-owned. The WPZ farmers are breaking barriers by taking ownership of their work, ensuring that future generations of women in coffee farming have greater opportunities.
Mentorship & Community Support: Strength in Unity
The Zongolica region is deeply influenced by the rich, ancestral heritage of its people, most of whom identify as part of the Nahuas indigenous group. The Nahuas have passed down their language and knowledge through storytelling for generations, sharing wisdom about plants, rivers, animals, mountains, the planet, and the universe. With 1.5 million people still speaking the Nahuatl language, the Nahua people continue to preserve and celebrate their cultural identity.
This strong sense of community and mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of WPZ. The women farmers of Zongolica support one another, offering guidance and sharing knowledge that ensures the sustainability of their farms and the well-being of their families. Their commitment to lifting each other up is a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose.
Women in Leadership & Policy-Making
The women leading WPZ are not just farmers; they are trailblazers shaping the future of their communities. They strive to create an inclusive and equitable society through sustainable farming practices. Coffee farms in Zongolica operate as agro-ecosystems, meaning they consider the impact of farming beyond their land by balancing energy and nutrients to preserve the region’s biodiversity.
One significant practice these farms embrace is intercropping, a method that enhances soil health and promotes biodiversity. For example, banana trees are grown alongside coffee plants, providing necessary shade for both the plants and the workers harvesting them. This approach not only benefits the environment but also improves the overall quality of the coffee beans.
Representation in STEM, Arts, & Business
Coffee production is deeply rooted in STEM fields. In communities like Zongolica, Mexico, indigenous women apply scientific knowledge to enhance coffee cultivation, ensuring sustainability while maintaining traditional growing methods. The level of biology, chemistry, and environmental science required to produce high-quality, sustainable coffee is extensive.
Technology is also revolutionizing coffee farming. Farmers now use drones and sensors to monitor crop growth, making farming more efficient and productive. Additionally, the internet has opened up new opportunities, allowing farmers to bypass middlemen and connect directly with buyers, roasters, and importers worldwide. Understanding global markets has become essential for farmers, as coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, following crude oil.
Collective Action for a Brighter Future
WPZ goes beyond coffee production by focusing on economic empowerment. The initiative provides job training and certified financial education, equipping women with the skills necessary to generate their own income and contribute to their families’ well-being. WPZ is also part of NKG BLOOM, a program by Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG) that supports smallholder farmers by providing resources and opportunities to help them reach their full potential and break free from poverty.
By working together and supporting one another, these women are not only transforming their own lives but also creating a brighter future for their communities. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of Women’s History Month—a commitment to education, leadership, and empowerment that extends across generations.
Cupping Notes: Tropical fruits, caramel, chocolate, florals, brown sugar; citric acidity, juicy body.
Join us in celebrating the power of women in coffee and beyond. Together, we can continue to uplift, educate, and inspire future generations!
