We’re back in Tolima with this delivery, a region that’s proving to be one of our favourites in Colombia this past year. Dario’s farm, Los Sauces is located in a small village near Rio Blanco.
He has been running the farm for around seven years, and is currently growing three varietals on the 7 hectare farm: the Caturra that we’re sharing in this delivery, as well as Castillo and Gesha.
Dario Martinez at the farm Photo: Caravela Coffee
Dario has been working with Caravela Coffee, our export partner in Colombia, for around two years and he says the move to specialty coffee is making a big difference.
By focusing on higher quality, he’s receiving premiums over commodity coffee prices that have helped provide better for his family, and improve his farm to produce even better quality coffee. He’s also able to focus on running the farm more sustainably.
Across the whole farm, he’s now producing mostly AA grade (the second-highest in Colombia’s grading system) and 20% the highest grade: AAA.
Photo: Caravela Coffee
On Los Sauces he also grows sugar cane, plantain and corn to diversify his income and ensure he’s producing crops throughout the year and not just the main coffee harvest.
