The PEARL contribution

Harvested and processed beans are ready for exporting. Tim Schilling, left, and Dan Clay. (Photo by Sue Nichols, University Relations, MSU)

PEARL understands that successful businesses are driven by the market. In coffee, the market pointed to specialty coffees, which have taken American and Europe by storm.

PEARL sought to convert Rwanda's ordinary grade, partially washed coffee to the rigid production and processing protocols of specialty coffee.

Dan Clay conceived and initiated the partnership with Emile Rwamasirabo, rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR). Tim Schilling, an agronomist with Texas A & M University, agreed to direct the project in-country.

To be successful in the specialty coffee industry the PEARL project has worked with farmer associations to improve product at all stages of the production, processing and marketing process. Key steps include:

• Improving on-farm production and harvesting practices

• Building and managing washing stations to wash, select, depulp and dry coffee to stringent specialty coffee industry specifications

• Building coffee cupping labs to taste and evaluate coffee quality to determine the potential value of individual lots

• Developing market access by engaging U.S. and European specialty coffee roasters and distributors

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