We are proud to celebrate a major milestone in CQI’s Post-Harvest Processing Program: the graduation of Cohort 4 of the Q Processing Level 3 (QP3) course! After a year of intense learning, collaboration, and innovation, 14 outstanding professionals have earned their certification as Q Processing Experts.
This accomplishment marks not just the completion of a course but the emergence of new leaders who are equipped to shape the future of post-harvest coffee processing worldwide.
About QP3: CQI’s Most Advanced Processing Curriculum
QP3- Expert level is the highest-level course in CQI’s Post-Harvest Processing Program, designed for experienced professionals seeking to push the boundaries of coffee processing knowledge. The program spans nearly a year and is delivered in three dynamic phases:
Remote Semester: Students begin with several months of structured, self-paced study. During this period, they explore the latest scientific literature, deepen their understanding of post-harvest processing systems, and prepare to apply this knowledge in the field.
Field Intensive: In August 2024, Cohort 4 came together at TECNiCAFÉ in Colombia for the in-person portion of the course. This immersive experience included hands-on training in experimental design, advanced processing techniques, an in-depth exploration of specialized topics, case studies, and meaningful engagement with leading experts in the field.
Capstone Project: The final phase requires each participant to develop and present a research project that contributes new knowledge or insights to the coffee processing field. The goal is to address real-world challenges across diverse communities and countries, answering key questions in the field of coffee processing. These projects are designed to make a tangible impact, empowering professionals to share their findings, inspire continued research, and support producers wherever they work.
Meet Our New Q Processing Level 3 Certified Professionals
We are proud to welcome 14 new Q Processing Level 3 Experts Certified Professionals to the global CQI community. These individuals represent deep technical skill, scientific curiosity, and a shared commitment to advancing coffee quality through better post-harvest practices.
Their achievements are a testament to the passion and perseverance required to complete QP3, and we look forward to the impact they will continue to make in coffee-growing regions around the world.
Congratulations to all our Cohort 4 graduates!
Among this incredible group of graduates, we would also like to give special recognition to Gloria Pedroza. In addition to completing the program, Gloria serves on CQI’s Board of Trustees, and we are grateful for her continued contributions to the global coffee sector.
Honoring Our Partners and Supporters
The success of the 2024 QP3 Course would not have been possible without the invaluable support and collaboration of our hosts, sponsors, and educational partners.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts, TECNiCAFÉ and Supracafé, for providing an inspiring and hands-on learning environment for our students during the Field Intensive.
A special thank you goes to our sponsor, Pinhalense, who generously support our Field Intensive in Colombia.
We are also deeply grateful to our educational contributors - FNC, Cenicafé, FNC Cauca, MIÓ Fazenda (Brazil), the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Granja Paraíso 92, and the Federación Campesina del Cauca -for sharing their expertise and enriching the learning journey with real-world knowledge and experience.
Also, our sincere appreciation also goes to all the educators and facilitators who played a vital role in delivering this course.
Together, your contributions have strengthened the global network of post-harvest processing professionals and advanced our shared mission of excellence in coffee education and innovation.
Thank you!
Advance Your Skills in Post-Harvest Processing
Stay tuned for more updates from our CQI Post-Harvest Processing Program—and if you're ready to take the next step in processing education, learn more about our Q Processing courses here: https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/education/post-harvest-processing/courses.
