In the mountains of Las Sabanas, Madriz, Nicaragua, the Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples 5 de Junio Las Sabanas R.L. (COSMUCJS) brings together smallholder coffee farmers committed to producing high-quality coffee while strengthening their communities and protecting the environment.

Legally established in 2001 with just 32 producers, the cooperative has grown to 153 members, including 43 women. Together, its members manage around 258 hectares of coffee, with more than 205 hectares dedicated to organic production.

The cooperative’s farms are located mainly in the Tepe-Somoto–La Patasta Reserve, at elevations of 1,100–1,300 metres. These unique growing conditions contribute to distinctive specialty coffees and microlots made from varieties including Caturra, Catuaí, Bourbon, Parainema, Pacas and Catimor. Some lots score above 85 points, while the cooperative’s organic coffee averages 84 points, with cup profiles featuring citrus, sweet chocolate, fruit, passion fruit, mandarin, almond and panela notes.

COSMUCJS controls important stages of the value chain, from collection and quality assessment to drying, storage and commercialization. Each producer’s coffee is carefully cupped and classified according to its physical and sensory characteristics, helping determine the best market for each lot. The cooperative exports specialty and organic coffees to buyers in the United States and also produces El Sabaneño, a roasted and ground coffee for the local and national market.

Beyond coffee, COSMUCJS invests in its members through technical training, organic inputs and a biofactory producing fertilizers and biofertilizers. It also promotes climate resilience, water-source protection, soil conservation, reforestation, crop diversification and food security.

Certified organic and through Mayacert, COSMUCJS is building a coffee model that connects quality with stronger livelihoods and long-term environmental stewardship.