JAMAICAN COFFEE
A QUALITY PRODUCT PRODUCED BY CARING HANDS AND A PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT
THE ISLAND of Jamaica has varied topography and rugged mountains. Some of these mountains are volcanic in nature giving rise to highly fertile soils. The consistently warm weather experienced by the island makes it not only a popular destination year-round but also famous for some outstanding agricultural produce recognised for their distinct flavour, aroma and appeal.
JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN® COFFEE – TOPOGRAPHY
One of the most distinguished of those agricultural produce is coffee. Although coffee is produced from east to west along the mountain ranges of the country, the name that is synonymous with Jamaica is the Jamaica Blue Mountain® (JBM) Coffee.
The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica with the highest point being the Blue Mountain Peak, at 2256m (7,402 ft). The Blue Mountains rise from the coastal plains to its elevations over a distance of about 16 kilometres (9.9 miles). Some scholars suggest this is one of the steepest general gradients in the world.
The vegetation of this natural strategic location is greatly influenced by the northeast trade winds which is heavily moisture laden as it comes off the sea. As the moisture-laden winds climb the mountains, they lose energy and release moisture in the form of rainfall.
The combination of the elevation of the mountains and the moisture-laden northeast trade winds results in a general high cloud cover over much of the mountains for much of the year. This high cloud cover results in a cooling effect on the plants since more radiation is reflected. The large diversity of trees also means that majority of the coffee is cultivated under natural shade and fauna-friendly conditions.
This climatic diversity has led to the existence of rich flora and fauna which include the world’s second-largest butterfly and the largest in the Americas – the Papilio homerus or Jamaican swallowtail.
Since 1728, those famous and fertile mountains have become home to one of Jamaica’s most famous shrubs – the coffee plant. The industry started with Sir Nicholas Lawes, then governor, who brought back to Jamaica a gift of a coffee plant from Martinique, and planted it on one of his properties in Temple Hall, St Andrew.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN
In 2015 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) designated the Blue and John Crow Mountains collectively as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to the mountains’ vast biodiversity and the shelter and settlement roles the mountains played in the country’s history for the escaping slaves, Tainos and Maroons.
OUR TRADEMARKS
As part of monitoring and regulating the trademarks, Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) has registered the JBM® and Jamaica High Mountain® Supreme names, along with variations of the names in several countries. The regulatory authority further issues directives and guidelines on packaging and labelling concerning the use of the names, address details, product description, preparation directions, expiry date, batch number, and so on.
Only coffee representing 100 per cent Jamaican Blue Mountain or Jamaican High Mountain Supreme can use these logos.
While a 30 per cent JBM blend is allowed in Japan and elsewhere, traders, distributors and any other unauthorised person or entity cannot use the logos without JACRA’s permission.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
With such a decorated evolution of natural beauty, diversity and fertility, it was of great importance that the production of one of its most recognised tenants be carried out with great attention to its protection and sustainability.
Being cognisant of the direct and potential impact of coffee production and processing on the environment, the regulatory agency responsible for coffee has always ensured that the activities are carried out in a manner that is non-detrimental to the flora, fauna, humans and the landscape.
With this in mind, JACRA, formerly known as the Coffee Industry Board, pioneered many initiatives to improve the environmental performance of the Jamaican coffee industry. JACRA is an entity of the Government of Jamaica. JACRA’s initiatives include:
• Development and implementation of good agricultural practices.
• Introduction of new waste management techniques.
• Development and implementation of an ‘Environmental Codes of Practice’ for the local coffee industry.
• Carbon footprint mapping. The Codes of Practice, which is a multifunctional approach, ensures that Jamaica’s coffee is produced in observation of environmental and personnel recognition while maintaining the high-quality standards for which it is renowned.
Jamaica’s coffee is traded under the trademark of Jamaica Blue Mountain® and Jamaica High Mountain® Supreme. This means that traders must be licensed by JACRA upon satisfying criteria regarding production capability, and production and environmental suitability.
In order to enhance its monitoring and regulatory activities, JACRA has obtained ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification. This globally recognised standard ensures that there is consistency as we measure and monitor the application of good agricultural practices within the framework of the environmental codes of practice.
An extension of the application of the multifunctional approach is seen whereby some of our licensed dealers have gained Rainforest Alliance certification. This is a demonstration of their commitment and support to the well-being of the Jamaican coffee industry for producers, processors and consumers.
JACRA, in part supported by the licensed dealers, provides thorough extension services and support to farmers covering fertiliser usage, chemical usage, and when and where to effect these activities. In the case of labour and remuneration, these activities are regulated by strict Jamaican laws which result in wages and benefits being higher than the regional standards.
In previous years, coffee cultivation was mostly a family activity done by farmers living within the mountain’s vicinity. Now, workers are mostly from neighbouring communities. Their welfare is supported by accommodation, recreational, educational, sanitary and medical facilities from nearby.
The workers who carry out processing and sorting at the warehouse facilities are provided with similar suitable wages, facilities and training.
While we operate a wet mill processing system in Jamaica, the use of modern processing facilities results in the use of a minimum amount of water for processing. The water is filtered through sand, charcoal or lime to remove impurities and then recycled. After two cycles, this water is further purified before being used for irrigation in some cases. The pulp or skin is composted either naturally or with the application of the California Redworm ( Eisenia fetida). The resulting organic material is used as a nutrient supplement on the coffee plants.
Soil erosion management guidelines are vigorously administered through training and practices in order to ensure that the fertile but fragile volcanic soils are not easily eroded.
TRACEABILITY AND STANDARDS
Through a system of Farm Registration and Tracking (FRATS), coffee harvested and sold to licensed dealers can be traced. JACRA issues a certificate of origin with each batch of coffee being exported if it meets the quality standards. These quality standards cover parameters such as bean moisture content, bean colour, bean size, defects caused by insect or machine, minimum pesticide residue levels and cup profile.
The quality standards tests are carried out internally following established procedures audited twice annually through the ISO 9001:2015 QMS. The pesticide residue levels assessments, however, are carried out by the Chemistry Department of The University of the West Indies, Mona.