Girma Sentayehu is a second-generation coffee producer who runs his farm alongside his wife and son. His family has owned the land since 1970, but it wasn’t until 2019 that they obtained an export license. While Girma previously sold coffee to the U.S. specialty market, he struggled to maintain the relationships and has since focused on strengthening his position as a respected coffee exporter.
Beyond coffee, Girma’s family is also involved in transportation trade, but for him, coffee remains the primary path to improving his family’s livelihood. His household consists of 11 members, and during the harvest season, they hire additional seasonal workers to carefully handpick ripe cherries and ensure consistent drying.
His farm is located in Biloya kebele, Kochere woreda, within the Yirgacheffe zone. At an altitude of 1,750 meters above sea level, his 6.46-hectare farm is enriched by red-brown loam soil and ample shade from native trees. The farm and washing sites are adjacent to the Biloya River, providing a steady supply of fresh water—ideal for washed coffee processing.
Girma is the only producer contributing a washed coffee to the 2025 OCR Smallholder Series, making his lot a standout selection. His cherries undergo careful handpicking and floating before being fermented and washed with fresh river water. The coffee is then dried for 6 to 8 days, turned 4 to 6 times per day, until reaching the optimal moisture level.
1750 masl.
Girma Sentayehu Chala
Red brown loam soil
With the 2025 OCR: Smallholder Series we want to link roasters and producers who are interested in direct long-term relationships. Due to transparent payment structures, we can assure all premium payments are reaching the hands of the farmer, making the impact of the relation measurable. Girma and the other participating producers are eager to further improve quality and develop their coffee business.
To enhance quality, Girma is currently investing in shade nets, which will help regulate midday drying temperatures—a crucial factor, as the region often experiences peaks of over 30°C. This slower, more controlled drying process promises to yield an even more stable and refined cup profile. But even now, his washed coffees have impressed us with outstanding cupping results, and his commitment to continuous improvement signals an exciting future for his farm and his role in Ethiopia’s specialty coffee scene.
Operation Cherry Red: Smallholder Series 2025 exposes unique Ethiopian smallholder coffees. By working directly with these producers, we ensure premium payments reach the right hands and trace lots back to individual families. For roasters, this is a unique chance to source coffee right at its roots—challenging the norm of sourcing from regional washing stations. By partnering with exceptional smallholders, roasters can support truly impactful, transparent, and traceable coffee supply chains. Learn more about the OCR project here or discover other participating producers below.
