A few years ago the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) established a program called the Q Grader, which is a comprehensive professional accreditation for coffee graders and cuppers. This program aims to establish a common language to ease the information exchange among colleagues working in coffee quality control around the world. Some producers, exporters, importers and roasters have experienced a lack of tools that ease the discussion process around coffee quality issues. Based strictly on technical issues, it is important to exchange information on the coffee crop from one continent (producers) to another (consumers). I believe this program has positively contributed to creating common ground rules for technicians that are involved in quality control in producing and importing countries.
Currently there are around 1000 certified coffee Q graders world wide. Currently in Honduras there is only 1 certified Q Grader. I have the opportunity to attend a week long certification class in Oct to obtain the Q grader accreditation.
This will be a huge advantage not only for Mercy International but for myself as well. Being one of the only Q graders in Honduras will help open doors that I thought would never be opened. Not only will it benefit here in Honduras but it will open doors for us World Wide.
The ony down side is the cost. The class alone costs $1250. Then add on the airfare and food, hotel and car rental I am looking at $2500. The class is Oct 3 - 7th.
Would you please pry with us for provisions, and the wisdom that will be needed to pass the accreditation. The overall process includes 22 seperate tests administered over the week. If you are interested in helping send me to the conference donations can be made out to Grace Church with our name written in the memo line and sent to:
Warrenfamilyadventures
Andy, Corbett and Makenzie
PO Box 10516
Fayetteville, AR 72703
If you are interested in knowing more about the accreditation please email me at andy_warren2007@yahoo.com
