The greater region of Aceh, Sumatra’s northernmost province, is the source of “Mandheling” coffee and is sometimes referred to as Gayo or Gayoland in reference to the local Gayonese ethnic majority. The highlands outside of Takengon city are lush, fed by ancient volcanic soil nutrients and frequent rains. Coffees grown here by smallholders are collected by the cooperative, which also offers farmers financial assistance through a credit union and uses fair trade premiums to reinvest in schools, hospitals, and farming equipment for their members.