ASOBAGRI (Asociación Barillense de Agricultores) was founded over 30 years ago with a clear mission: to strengthen the coffee farming families of Barillas, in the northern reaches of Huehuetenango. Today, it brings together more than 1,300 Producers across 89 communities, making it one of the most important coffee organizations in the region.
Beyond coffee production, ASOBAGRI strives to generate broader added value for its members – through educational programs, access to healthcare, youth engagement, and women's empowerment. Its vision integrates economic sustainability, cup quality, and genuine community development.
Historically, Barillas was not recognized for its coffee quality. Its high humidity and abundant rainfall gave it a very different profile from the classic Huehuetenango style. But climate adaptation has reshaped this reality: in recent years, its coffees have begun to be recognized for their distinctive Sensory Profile and consistent quality.
This is our first year of collaboration with ASOBAGRI, but we approached this relationship knowing that we were dealing with a model organization – one that has demonstrated a proven ability to supply traceable, homogeneous lots, compliant with organic and Regenerative production standards. The foundation of this partnership is a shared vision for a fairer and more Transparency value chain, built upon ASOBAGRI's long-standing commitment to its Producers and communities.
ASOBAGRI is much more than a coffee exporting organization. What makes it unique is its ability to combine cup quality, social impact, and environmental management in a coherent and authentic way. Key distinguishing elements include community-focused work in one of the most remote and underserved rural areas of Huehuetenango, active participation of women and youth in the value chain, education and health programs for member families, the implementation of the “Blue Harvest” approach and Regenerative agriculture for soil and watershed protection, and a clear orientation towards specialty markets that recognize and reward these efforts.
ASOBAGRI embodies many of the principles that Belco seeks to promote at origin: sustainability, Transparency, human development, gender equity, and the building of long-term relationships.
