Farm: Santa Prisca
Farmer: Leonel De Jesús Rodríguez Valladarez
*Farm History:
I started about 42-43 years ago it was a half manzana (0.7 hectares) and the cottage. Caturra was the first variety we cultivated. Year by year we grew little by little until we reached twelve manzanas. Since 2000 we have worked as organic as possible. Ever since we have seen that the soil is healthier and there is less deforestation. Of course, we do have to use some chemical fertilizers and pesticides. But we use them very consciously, we only apply it to the parts of the farm that really need it. A part of our philosophy is to work as a family farm. Everybody has to help a little, especially during harvest time.
* Family Generations
My grandfather started 80 years ago to plant Arabicas and Maragogype. We used to be cattle rangers, but later we decided to switch to coffee.
* What were the good practices that you implemented and that made it the winner of the Cup of Excellence program?
You have to treat the coffee very well at the farm, obviously you have to pick well, only the ripest cherries. It is important to depulp the coffee the same day. Managing the wetmill is a key task, watching the fermentation and then washing the coffee really well. Also, the variety is very important, they are pure Arabicas. They are harder to cultivate, you have to fight against coffee leaf rust and the climate change. But it’s worth it.
* How does it feel to be one of the winners?
It is the most beautiful thing. Winning in the cup of excellence is every farmer’s dream. It is incredible to feel happy like this. You work all year, it is good to know that all that work is for something.
* In what will you invest the profits you get from the cup of excellence?
I want to improve the farm, to be able to pay for the attention my plants need. But also, I want my kids to have a good education and send them to school.
* Had you participated in the Cup of Excellence program before?
I have participated 4 times and three times I have won, the 17th, 25th and 23rd place. Those certificates still decorate my house.
* What do you think of the cup of excellence program?
It is a very nice project to encourage producers to plant better coffee. Promote the quality of the coffee.
* Social Midia
www.expocamo.com
www.instagram.com/expocamo
