Regional Details
Santa Marta’s Sierra Nevada is a Caribbean coastal range distinct from the Andes range that makes up the majority of Colombia’s coffeelands. For this reason there is a sense of self-reliance best symbolized by the level of intercropping common for most coffee farms where you will find bananas, corn and avocado trees grown for local consumption. While self-sufficiency has many advantages, selling specialty coffee on the international market is not easily achieved in isolation.
Sourcing Partner
This is why the association of farmers called Santo Domingo de la Sierra was established. This group of 21 producers has focused attention on best organic practices to manage their farms, which includes making their own organic fertilizer. Santo Domingo de la Sierra also works as a collective for ensuring transportation and warehousing for their coffee.
Harvest Details
The tight-knit group of producers cultivates coffee on farms that average 5 acres in size. Small enough for each producer in the group to manage their own micro-mill where meticulous care in cherry selection, depulping, fermenting, and drying coffee takes place.
Certification details
The Sierra Nevada’s environment is extremely favorable for birds and producers remain committed to ecologically sustainable and bird-friendly farming. Certifications for organic and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC), and carefully managed. Organic fertilizer is produced on the farms with compost originating from coffee pulp and manure. Coffee is cultivated under a canopy of guamo, carbonero, and other native shade trees.
