Omer Ali has been involved in coffee exporting for over 30 years, and now he and his family own Gera Estate, a jewel of the Ethiopian highlands. Here, all their coffee plants are shade grown with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They also cross-plant crops such as avocados, apples, and Abyssinian banana to help balance the soil so it can continue to produce great coffee.

Omer’s family cares about their community, and help provide housing and electricity as well as healthcare and schools for their workers. At Gera Estate, the overarching goal of sustainability and quality of life for all is reflected in everything from their production system to their programs for clean drinking water and recreational facilities.