Farm: El Destino
Farmer: Erwin Obel Duartes Garcia
* Farm History:
El Destino (The Destiny) is one of the highest farms in Jinotega, reaching up to 1600 meters above sea level. Erwin his great great grandmother started this 15 hectare farm decades ago. During the 1980´s agrarian reform the farm was divided amongst many people and family lost it. Two years ago Erwin decided to restore the family fame and buy back the farm. The property had not been taken care of very well, meaning Erwin had to start practically from zero. These steep hills are well shaded and result in a slow ripening process of the cherries. This has lead Erwin to focus on the specialty coffee market - he knows that in today´s climate one has to focus on quality in order to survive. Winning the Cup of Excellence certainly is a token of this mission.
* Family Generations
Fourth generation.
* What were the good practices that you implemented and that made it the winner of the Cup of Excellence program?
My farm is one of the highest farms in Jinotega, that surely has an impact. But my real secret is that I don't drink, I don't smoke and I am single!
* How does it feel to be one of the winners?
This is such an amazing achievement, I only started to revive the farm 2 years ago and I did not expect these great results so quickly. It really motivates me to continue this project.
* In what will you invest the profits you get from the cup of excellence?
I will invest it back into the farm, as I said - it's an ongoing project. I want to keep on improving and do even better next year.
* Had you participated in the Cup of Excellence program before?
No, this is the first year.
* What do you think of the cup of excellence program?
It's a good program to get exposure, meet buyers and most of all motivate farmers do become the best they can.
* Social Media
www.expocamo.com
www.instagram.com/expocamo
