Long Miles Coffee boosted farmer payments, and grew buyer ties with M-Cultivo
Long Miles Coffee, a champion of smallholder farmers in Burundi, partnered with M-Cultivo to overcome inefficiencies, unlock capital, and showcase their exceptional coffee on the global stage. Together, we’ve enhanced transparency, improved farmer livelihoods, and connected Long Miles to new growth opportunities.
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Burundi
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The challenge
In 2020, Long Miles Coffee faced the daunting task of managing over 100,000 transactions annually with smallholder farmers using an outdated pen-and-paper system. This approach caused delays and inefficiencies, eroding trust in their farmer network. Additionally, accessing timely capital for farmer payments proved challenging, as traditional banking systems in the region were slow and unreliable. With Burundi's specialty coffee often overlooked, Long Miles sought a way to elevate their coffee to global buyers and secure better terms for their farmers.
The solution
2020
M-Cultivo revolutionized Long Miles' processes by transitioning them from pen-and-paper to a digital platform. This change brought reliability and transparency, fostering trust among their network of 5,000 farmers and enabling smoother operations.
2022
With capital provided against 140,000 lbs of coffee production, Long Miles paid their farmers on time, bypassing slow banking systems. These timely payments supported critical needs, including school fees, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and solidifying community relationships.
2023
To spotlight Burundi’s exceptional coffee, M-Cultivo hosted the country’s first private auction in a decade. This initiative connected Long Miles with a global network of buyers, showcasing their quality and securing higher premiums for their coffee.
Ready to grow your business?
Join producers like Long Miles in transforming your operations, accessing capital, and reaching new markets. Become a CultivoPartner today and unlock the tools, funding, and opportunities to grow your specialty coffee business.