NORTHERN COFFEE SCHOOL · COURSE MODULE · GRNSCA CERTIFIED · MANCHESTER · 2026
GRN · green coffee · at heart & graft

the raw
side

Botany, processing, grading and global trade - the unroasted supply chain from an introduction through to portfolio-level buying.

01 · foundation

Foundation

MIN 7 HRS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
02 · intermediate

Intermediate

MIN 14 HRS · INC. EXAMS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
03 · professional

Professional

3 DAYS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
01
SCA · GRN-FND

Green Coffee
Foundation

MIN 7 HRS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
£320

An introduction to the raw, unroasted supply chain - how cultivation, post-harvest processing and market trade shape the global industry. Ideal for newcomers to the green sector.

who it’s for
  • Beginners with no experience of the green supply chain.
  • Baristas, owners and roastery staff learning sourcing.
  • Anyone wanting a broad intro to agriculture, processing and trade.
prerequisites
  • None.
note - An Introduction to Coffee course is recommended but not mandatory.

What you’ll learn

Botany & Climate Sourcing

  • Differentiate core species from individual varieties and cultivars.
  • Explore how environment, region and season shape global farming.

Post-Harvest & Processing

  • Learn major processing and drying methods and the risks to flavour.
  • Compare harvesting from hand-picking to machine harvesting.

Quality, Logistics & Trade

  • Use lab tools to measure moisture and separate beans by size.
  • Understand trade markets, safe storage and certifications.
  • Examine decaffeination and how caffeine removal alters the bean.
what’s included
Instructor & trainer feesLab & green-sifting equipment accessSelection of raw green bean samplesHandoutsOfficial digital certification (on passing)All registration & exam fees
Dates, fees & places
Live availability - updates automatically
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02
SCA · GRN-INT

Green Coffee
Intermediate

MIN 14 HRS · INC. EXAMS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
£590

Builds toward more complex green-coffee functions - a deeper look at the biological, environmental and economic factors behind quality and trade, plus grading, defect analysis and contract attributes.

who it’s for
  • Professionals in importing, exporting and green inventory.
  • Production roasters and QC managers evaluating raw material.
  • Advanced members managing purchases, checks and defect ID.
prerequisites
note - Basic supply-chain knowledge and SCA Sensory Skills Foundation are highly recommended.

What you’ll learn

Advanced Botany & Terroir

  • Trace the genetic lineage of commercial species and varieties.
  • Evaluate how climate, soil and altitude affect density, size and quality.
  • Analyse crop cycles, biennial yields and shade vs full-sun.

Processing & Quality Analysis

  • Map the cherry's anatomy and how processing alters mass.
  • Master drying for washed, natural and pulped-natural lots.
  • Screen for size, density, moisture and water activity.
  • Cup to isolate green defects, staling and quakers.

Markets, Logistics & Certification

  • Differentiate futures from cash, spot and forward contracts.
  • Calculate prices, navigate documentation and Incoterms.
  • Understand bag markings, containers, desiccant and landing.
  • Compare decaffeination and certification networks.
what’s included
Instructor & trainer feesLab, sifting & moisture-analysis equipment accessSelection of calibration defect samples & green varietiesHandoutsOfficial digital certification (on passing)All registration & exam fees
Dates, fees & places
Live availability - updates automatically
● LIVE
Check dates & bookAsk a question
See all dates on the calendar →
03
SCA · GRN-PRO

Green Coffee
Professional

3 DAYS · MIN 2 LEARNERS
£950

Manager-level green coffee - a deep look at botany, agronomy, global logistics and contract design. Run advanced analysis, manage a trade portfolio and make strategic purchasing decisions on market data.

who it’s for
  • Experienced traders, importers, exporters and buyers.
  • QC managers and production leads mastering sourcing.
  • Supply-chain consultants handling risk and quality audits.
prerequisites
note - SCA Sensory Skills Intermediate and SCA Roasting Intermediate are highly recommended.

What you’ll learn

Advanced Botany & Climate

  • Evaluate plant breeding and bean makeup against disease and climate.
  • Examine climate-change models on yields and shade management.
  • Analyse inputs and soil preservation to improve productivity.

Sourcing, Processing & Quality

  • Master sorting, mechanical pulping and water-conservation tech.
  • Analyse fermentation, drying and wet-hulled operations.
  • Use lab screening to identify defects, staling and faults.
  • Manage pre-export logistics, storage and landing.

Markets, Risk & Portfolio Trade

  • Perform trade calculations across currencies and differentials.
  • Master long/short positions, calendar spreads and options.
  • Map regional harvests against storage costs.
  • Apply trade law and certification audits.
what’s included
Instructor & trainer feesLab & cupping equipment accessSelection of specialised practice coffees & green samplesHandoutsOfficial digital certification (on passing)All registration & exam fees
Dates, fees & places
Live availability - updates automatically
● LIVE
Check dates & bookAsk a question
See all dates on the calendar →

Find your pathway

Tell us where you are - total beginner, working barista, or aiming for Q - and we’ll map the right pathway through the school.

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NORTHERN COFFEE SCHOOL · AT HEART & GRAFT COFFEE ROASTERY · MANCHESTER
SCA AUTHORISED TRAINING · CERTIFICATION ON SUCCESSFUL ASSESSMENT