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Maria José Araújo began producing coffee at Sítio LM 23 years ago when her husband, José Mauro, inherited the property from his father. The farm was acquired a few years ago and borders other family properties, which work together. Over the past 12 years the producer has sought to produce high-quality coffees. Production is the responsibility of her 28-year-old son, Luiz Mauro, and her husband, José Mauro, 52. During the harvest, the family dedicated itself entirely to picking and post-harvest processing of these coffees. The family has great passion for coffee growing. Due to the area being very mountainous, the harvest is done by hand. The coffees are dried on African beds, with the help of labor from the farm’s partners and neighbors. 

The farm is beside a river at the bottom of a beautiful waterfall, protected by riparian forests and several springs. It is located in a buffer area of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park. The temperature of the region varies from 18 to 22°C.

Almost all of the arable land is covered with coffee fields. 

A The harvest is done manually, seeking to create jobs. After being picked, the coffee is washed and passes through the huller. The water used in this phase is completely recycled with the use of a decantation tank. Next the beans are taken for drying on concrete patios or African beds and are separated according to quality. After drying the lots are kept separated in rest boxes and are stored on the farm itself.

The producer seeks information from competent government agencies with the goal of learning each day to improve the quality of her coffees. She uses selective harvesting, slow drying, great care with sanitation of equipment and patios and well-qualified workers, all in order to ensure the success of the property and, in turn, her own success.