Fazenda Sertaozinho is in a mountainous region in the southern part of Minas Gerais, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, with an average annual temperature of 19ºC and annual average rainfall of 1,600 mm. The farms geographical conditions and excellent climate contribute to a microclimate that is favorable to produce specialty coffees. The farm has 300 hectares of protected tropical forest with hundred-year-old trees. Water resources are also protected, with careful maintenance of the forest bordering streams. The Jequitiba Rosa tree (Cariniana legalis) is the symbol of Fazenda Sertaozinho. An imposing example of its species, it is 40 meters tall and is estimated to be more than 1,500 years old. It can be seen on one of the hills that surround the farm. The property is managed by the agronomist Jose Renato Goncalves Dias. The oldest field was planted in 1948 and continues to produce. Organic fertilizers compounded on the farm are used to maintain balanced nutrition for the plants. The objective is to preserve the microbiological life of the soils, which are very fertile. A total of 160 regular employees work in the farm. They receive health care and hospital coverage with no limitations. The farm invests in the training and professional improvement of its employees. Their children are enrolled in a school on the property.

Coffee natural processing system

Fazenda Sertaozinhos coffee is prepared in an eco-friendly manner. Planting, harvesting, and drying are done by hand. Harvesting is selective, and only the ripe cherries are picked. After the cherries are harvested, they are taken to the pulper and then spread out to dry in the sun on various drying patios. When the drying process is in progress, cotton cloths are placed on the coffee lines to protect the beans. No mechanical dryers are used during the drying process. When the coffee reaches 11% moisture content, it is taken to wooden silos, where it is held for at least 30 days. All coffee processing – from harvesting to re-processing, including classification by sieves, density, electronic selection by color and manual selection – is done on the property.

Commitment to quality

Fazenda Sertaozinho is certified as an ISO 9001/2000 Quality Management System. This means that there is total control of quality, with documentation and background each lot. The farm is also certified by the environmental and social management systems UTZ Certified.