For the first time in Burundi’s 80-year history of coffee production, the once war-torn, African country is producing specialty coffee to be sold direct to the markets, thanks to training and research provided by Michigan State University.

Specialty coffee buyers, a better quality product and an increase in prices paid to growers are the keys to building a strong coffee sector in Burundi, according to Michigan State University faculty and staff who are helping the once war-torn country develop its market.