More than a training course, the “From Farm to Cup” model has introduced a practical way of learning: learning by doing, in the field and across the coffee value chain. Technicians, farmers, researchers and coffee cooperatives have taken part, building skills and sharing knowledge that can be applied and replicated in their communities.
Led by the Comon Yaj Noptic cooperative, with support from Café del Mar and technical guidance from ECOSUR and Solidaridad, the programme combined applied science, farmers’ knowledge and peer learning. The goal is clear: knowledge must work in practice to improve results.
Learning at harvest pace: the field as a classroom
The programme followed four stages aligned with the coffee production cycle. From seed selection and nursery management to crop establishment and agroecological practices such as soil management, shade, organic nutrition and pest control.
Participants also strengthened practices in harvesting, wet processing and post-harvest management. The programme concluded with a cupping session, where participants assessed coffee quality and saw the direct results of their work.
More than a technical course, the diploma functioned as a practical training model: learn, test and share.
We followed the full traceability of coffee production. I learned a lot from everyone, because it was also an exchange of knowledge. Each person brought their own experience, which reinforced what we already understood.
Bernie Vázquez Roblero, agroecological technician at INIFAP
The methodology followed the real production cycle and connected field practice with reflection and a commitment to share knowledge.
Educational innovation in the field
While the programme includes technical practices, its main strength is how learning takes place.
Instead of starting with theory, it builds on farmers’ real experiences and combines them with tested practices.
We work with proven experiences from different coffee regions. This allows us to adapt solutions to each context. Using participatory methods and digital tools, we measure results in productivity, sustainability and livelihoods to support decision-making.
Aldo Michel Soriano Pérez, coffee project officer for Solidaridad in Mexico
What changes in this model?
- From isolated theory → to learning based on the crop cycle
- From external experts → to exchange between farmers, technicians and applied science
- From one-time training → to continuous learning with field practice
- From receiving a diploma → to sharing knowledge in communities
Instead of teaching topics, we build on farmers’ experiences. People learn best from how they learned themselves. This helps them connect with others.
Joao Rodríguez
The methodology included three phases: building trust, field practice and reflection, with a focus on sharing knowledge.
A collaborative approach that strengthens results
The value of the programme lies not only in its content, but also in the collaboration behind it.
The partnership between Comon Yaj Noptic, ECOSUR and Solidaridad combined technical knowledge, field experience and a value chain approach. This type of collaboration helps create practical solutions.
Comon Yaj Noptic is a mature organization with strong experience. Participants can become facilitators and share real experiences, not just theory.
María Lorena Soto Pinto, researcher at ECOSUR
Much of the training was delivered by technicians and farmers from the cooperative, strengthening local leadership and skills.
Sharing knowledge to expand results
A key goal was to ensure participants shared what they learned.
Knowledge should not stay in a diploma. We expect participants to share it with small-scale farmers so they can apply it in their work.
Miguel Méndez López, certification lead at Comon Yaj Noptic
Participants committed to applying and sharing at least one practice in their communities.
The next phase is expected to reach at least 70 additional farmers and around 105 hectares. Training and implementation are planned to begin by the end of April.
We want to identify farmers who are committed and interested, so we can support them and follow up on the practices. Coffee quality depends on how you manage the farm at every stage.
Yareni Pérez, coffee farmer
This approach helps more farmers adopt sustainable practices and improve coffee quality from the source.
Beyond coffee: strengthening the value chain
In addition to productivity and quality, the programme addressed climate change, agroecology, the participation of women and young people, and fair trade.
The result is not just a group of graduates, but a network of technicians and farmers who will share what they learned. The goal is to improve the quality of life of coffee-growing families through shared knowledge.
Joao Rodríguez
Strengthening skills at the source improves quality, reduces risks and supports long-term sustainability.
Scaling the model
The “From Farm to Cup” model shows that practical, field-based learning can improve agricultural training and results.
At Solidaridad, we develop training approaches that can be replicated to strengthen sustainable value chains and support measurable results.
Interested in replicating this model?
We work with companies, organizations and institutions to scale solutions that strengthen coffee production from the source. Because coffee does not start in the cup.
It starts in the community.