La FEM coffee has a new name - Las Diosas - La FEM. La FEM has transferred governance of its coffee activities to Las Diosas. La FEM continues with their advocacy for women's education, health and reproductive rights, works to end domestic violence and actively recruits more women producers in the coffee coops now governed by Las Diosas.

The women we met at Las Diosas are fiercely proud of their independence and their ability to provide for their families as a result of being farmers of fair trade and organic coffee.

However, they've had a tough year and shared their deep sadness with us - many women have lost up to 40 to 60% of this year's coffee harvest due to the coffee rust or roya that has spread across the coffee growing regions of Central and South America. The women of Las Diosis not know how this will affect next year's harvest and are extremely worried, as they believe next year's harvest will even have higher losses.

The coffee plants affected by coffee rust have to be cut down and new trees planted. And, it takes three to five years to for coffee plants to produce coffee cherries for harvest.

The Nicaraguan government is coming up with strategies for the coffee rust and the women are worried those strategies are not environmentally friendly which would negatively affect their farms and their families. Las Diosas believes strongly that you cannot be empowered without respecting the environment.

We'll keep you updated on how these remarkable women fare in the wake of the coffee rust. They're still figuring out exactly how devastating the impact is and  despite these unbelievable challenges remain hopeful for the future. The women are truly an inspiration.

You can read more about Las Diosas - LaFEM on http://www.beannorth.com/our-beans/producing-partners-and-locations/central-america/nicaragua/

This amazing coffee has been in the works for a couple of seasons. Our farmer friends in Coyona Peru have grown and cared for this special lot of unwashed Canchaque coffee.  Traditionally all the coffee exported from Peru was unwashed/natural until the market demanded change and washed coffees got the farmer a better price. 25 years later and the exact opposite is true. Roasters around the world now recognize the amazing aromas, flavour and richness found in unwashed coffees and are eager to add them to their offerings.

Our cupping lab in Montreal uses sweet, ripe berries & cocoa to describe the flavours. Something to look forward to!

Wed through Sun - 11am - 5pm

CAFE HOURS - 2012 Winter Hours are in effect. Come by and enjoy an espresso with something yummy or a tasty bowl of soup.

Our friends at North of Ordinary ran a survey about what's best in the Yukon. We're thrilled that Bean North came in third in the following two categories: Most Environmentally Friendly Yukon Company & Best Display of Community Leadership (Corporate). Definitely read the fifth anniverary edition of North of Ordinary and turn to page 40 and 41 to see best of the Yukon.

From www.cbc.ca/airplay

Yukon coffee roaster reduces carbon footprint

Bean North Coffee Roasting Co. Ltd. knew reducing their environmental stamp wouldn't be easy. The company imports its beans from Central America and roasts them in the Yukon before shipping the finished product to customers around North America.

But Michael King did a lot of work, made a few changes and managed to dramatically reduce the company's carbon footprint, and earn national recognition in the process.

Click here to hear Michael speak with Dave.

We have started using carbon credits to offset our greenhouse gas emissions! And we're excited to be part of Taking Root's initiative to promote C02 Responsible products and services. For more info check out our C02 Responsible microsite and read our newsletter.

We're thrilled with the launch of our new website! Have a look around and let us know what you think. We'll be posting more content, photos and hopefully some videos over the next while, so come back often to see what we've done.

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