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Farm: El Esfuerzo
Farmer: Ignacio Estrada Burgo
* Farm History
Ignacio, more commonly known as 'Nacho', started out with 0.35 hectares twenty years ago and has loved the farm life ever since. The farm has expanded to cover a total of 3.5 hectares nowadays, ten times bigger than the initial plot. Next to coffee plenty of farm animals and some vegetables call the farm home. Furthermore, 'El Esfuerzo' means The Effort, referring to the hard work Nacho put in to grow this tiny plot to the farm it is today.
Nacho is a humble man of age, he told me that there is no secret that his coffee of great quality. 'Just pick well, sort well and wash well.' A simple but highly effective strategy. The best performing coffees from this farm are Maragogype and Maracaturra, which Nacho specifically planted for their great stature. Furthermore, he cultivates caturra and catuaí, cultivares that require more work than the more commonly found catimor but provide more rewards as well.
In 2017 Ignacio won a stunning first place in Cup of Excellence and he has continued to put in the hard work to excell as coffee producers. This year's eight place is a great token of success given that ending in the top 10 two years in a row is an uncommon sight. With his new earning Ignacio hopes to hire more people to relieve the pressure of his work. Nevertheless, he also keeps looking for new land to cultivate more coffee. His efforts is not done yet, it's only just getting starting.
* Family Generations
I am the first coffee farmer in my family. We didn’t have much, but I managed to buy this tiny plot and go from there. I hope that my sons continue the tradition, I teach them about coffee farming already.
* What were the good practices that you implemented and that made it the winner of the Cup of Excellence program?
There is no secret to producing outstanding coffee. You just have to work well. Pick well, pulp well, wash well. It is all about putting in the effort to make your coffee taste great.
* How does it feel to be one of the winners?
It is great to see my coffee back in the top 10 this year. I am happy to know that it is no coincidence that I am winning.
* In what will you invest the profits you get from the cup of excellence?
I will invest in the farm to try to win again next year. Fertilize well, protect my plants against plagues and improve the infrastructure.
* Had you participated in the Cup of Excellence program before?
Yes, one year ago was my first time. I won first place last year.
* What do you think of the cup of excellence program?
It is such a great way of standing out as a producer. It helps me to give my coffee the attention it deserves.
* Social Media
www.expocamo.com
www.instagram.com/expocamo