The traditional processing method for Ugandan coffees is natural, so producing a washed coffee was a bit of a gamble the first time Agri Evolve went for it, and tensions ramped up when the trucks delivering the cherries were delayed, putting the crop at risk of over-fermentation.

It was the middle of the night, and to get the cherries to the washing station on time, the drivers put pedal to the metal. Peeling down a rain-soaked mud road, the coffee was literally flying at midnight.

Fortunately, everything was delivered and processed successfully, with the resulting lot being named for its baptism of fire.

Over the years, Midnight Flyer has only improved in quality, and can be found as one of the consistent Uganda coffees on Omwanis offer list.

Country: Uganda

Region: Rwenzori Mountains, borderland with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Altitude: 1700 masl
Process: Washed
Varietal: Arabica SL14 & SL28
Tasting notes: Flavour Notes of Blackcurrant, Brown Sugar & Lemon
Cup Score: 86.5

Sourced through Omwani & Agri Evolve

Agri Evolve is a profit-for-purpose agribusiness based in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda, specializing in coffee production, processing, and export. Founded in 2016, the company supports smallholder farmers by providing resources, training, and market access, with the goal of improving coffee quality, increasing farmer income, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Agri Evolve works with approximately 2,000 farmers across Uganda’s Kasese District and is committed to building a positive social and environmental impact in the region.

History
Agri Evolve’s origins trace back to 2010 when Johnny Rowland, then a tropical agriculture student, moved to Uganda and began working at a Rural Development Centre in Kasese. This centre provided agricultural support to local farmers, offering Rowland his first look into rural farming challenges. Here he observed the lack of access to fair market prices and efficient processing facilities, which led to poor-quality coffee and low incomes for farmers.

Motivated by these experiences, Rowland founded Agri Evolve in 2016 as a coffee collection point in the Rwenzori Mountains. This initial operation aimed to pay farmers better prices and ensure prompt payment, setting a foundation of trust in the community.

Recognising the need for better processing infrastructure, the following year they invested in the equipment for processing, enabling Agri Evolve to control coffee quality through washing and drying, which increased the coffee’s market value.

Over time, the station expanded into a full-scale processing facility, bringing new economic stability and job opportunities to the community.

Operations and Impact
Agri Evolve operates as a profit-for-purpose business, meaning that profits are reinvested to support local farmers and community development projects. The company has invested in processing equipment, demonstration farms, and technical expertise to enhance the quality and marketability of Rwenzori coffee. Agri Evolve’s facilities include advanced washing stations, mechanical dryers, and greenhouses, enabling high standards in coffee processing.

Agri Evolve works with approximately 2,000 smallholder farmers in the region, offering fair pricing and bonuses for quality produce, as well as covering transportation costs. Farmers are trained in best practices, focusing on improved yield, quality, and environmental conservation.

In 2022, Agri Evolve completed construction on the Nyabirongo Processing Station, one of Uganda’s largest and most advanced coffee facilities. Equipped for both wet and dry processing, the station streamlines coffee production, eliminating the need for off-site milling and creating new employment opportunities in the area. Agri Evolve has also established multiple buying centers across the Rwenzori Mountains, providing accessible market points for farmers and reinforcing the company’s long-term presence in the region.

Pictures from Omwani coffee