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Farm: Las Pencas
Farmer: Felix Pedro Siles Gadea
* Farm History
Felix Pedro is a daredevil, ten years ago he embarked on a mission to start an unique coffee farm in the mountains he grew up in: Cerro Chirinagua. These infamous peaks create the valley of Jinotega, a city fueled by coffee. The mountains are colds and rough winds blow constantly, consequently, no one had dared to grow coffee here before. However, Felix was determined, he had always dreamt of cultivating coffee here.
The first three hectares were cultivated with his own resources. Many people told him he would fail and he had little neighbors he could ask for advice. But when the first crops came people started the change their minds and applauded Felix Pedro for his success. The good results also helped him to get access to credit and grow his farm.
Nowadays, he proudly manages different plots with a range of varieties. The microclimate his been beneficial to his quality which showed when he won first place in a local competition. Since the 2017-2018 crop he has shifted his focus on the specialty coffee market. A market which is much more difficult to access and much more difficult to be succesful in, but also a market with promising perspectives. Winning in the CoE will definitely kick start this change.
* Family Generations
Felix is a first generation coffee farmer from a traditionally cattle growing family.
* What were the good practices that you implemented and that made it the winner of the Cup of Excellence program?
First of all, picking very well. The cherries need a long ripening period before being picked. Secondly, the process. Most coffee is processed in a local coop wet mill, but his best performing varieties: Java, Maragogype and Pacamara are processed in a small wet mill on his farm. Only clean mountain water is used and the coffee is washed to perfection.
* How does it feel to be one of the winners?
Very happy. Everyone has been congratulating me, winning has been the perfect token to show everyone that in these mountains great coffee can be grown. It motivates me to grow more and better coffee.
* In what will you invest the profits you get from the cup of excellence?
I want to grow more coffee and take better care of the farm, also buy some gifts for the kids of course!
* Had you participated in the Cup of Excellence program before?
No, this is the first time.
* What do you think of the cup of excellence program?

It is a great program. I feel recognized for my quality and it was so great to meet the buyers. It motivates me to do better.
* Social Media
www.expocamo.com
www.instagram.com/expocamo