The process of picking and harvesting coffee cherries typically involves family groups who selectively choose only the ripe cherries, hand-picking each one. Pickers rotate among the trees every 10 to 15 days, selecting only the red/maroon coloured cherries that are at their peak of ripeness. This method is more costly and labour-intensive and is therefore primarily used for harvesting the finer Arabica beans. On average, a family group of three can harvest approximately 210 kg of coffee cherries a day, yielding 32 kg of exportable green beans. These cherries are then taken to family-owned pulpers for de-husking. The Alpha Coffee Collective has provided training to its farmers on drying their coffee on raised beds to ensure consistency. The washed coffee is then sun-dried on raised beds and regularly turned throughout the day, while also being covered at night or during rainfall to prevent moisture. The farmers take precautions to dry their coffee at low heat (under shade trees) to avoid burning it. Farmers are trained to ensure their coffee is dried to a consistent moisture content of 11-12%. At the parchment stage, the coffee still has its inner shell and must be hulled and aired to achieve a bluish/green colour, ready for export. During the preparation process, the coffee is hand-sorted to remove any defective beans that may have been missed during grading and sorting by machines. This step is crucial in ensuring the high quality of the beans and preventing the export of chipped or defective ones.

Goroka is located in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, at an elevation of about 1,600 meters above sea level. The climate in this region is generally cool and temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. The area receives a high amount of rainfall, with an annual average of around 2,000 millimeters. The soil in the Goroka region is generally fertile and well-drained, with a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. It is suitable for growing a variety of crops, including coffee, tea, and vegetables. The soil is also rich in organic matter, which helps to improve its structure and fertility.