Coffee beans enter peak ripeness – Daren Tribe in Pingtung opens work-exchange homestays for coffee harvesting

▲ Stone houses are also one of the symbols of Daren Tribe. (Photo / fromDaren Tribe Eco-Tourism Facebook Page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As autumn gradually arrives, the coffee berries famous for cultivation in Pingtung’s Sandimen Daren Tribe are donning their red coats. Local coffee farmers say that to address the labor shortage, they are now offering work-exchange accommodation opportunities, inviting interested individuals to join them in the mountains to help with the harvest.

The Daren Tribe is located at an altitude of 800 meters. Thanks to its latitude, climate, and soil conditions, which are ideal for coffee cultivation, the coffee beans produced here are of high quality. Although the industry once declined, with the recent resurgence of coffee culture, the coffee business in Daren Tribe has turned around. Currently, the local coffee plantation area spans over 100 hectares.

▲ The coffee beans, resembling small red tomatoes, have now entered their peak ripening period. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

According to a report by Liberty Times, local coffee farmer Bao Jinmao said that during the annual coffee harvest season, the whole village mobilizes. However, due to serious issues of population outflow and aging, labor shortages often occur. Therefore, this time they aim to launch a work-exchange homestay program to not only solve the tribe’s labor shortage but also promote organic farming externally.

Bao Jinmao said that the main work involves harvesting coffee beans, and reservations are now open. Working half a day earns you a meal, while working a full day allows you to exchange for an overnight stay. Participants can also learn about the coffee processing steps and experience tribal life in a unique way.