Minas Gerais is the largest of the three major Brazilian growing regions with six micro-regions, which account for 50 percent of Brazil’s production. From this volume of coffee, we landed on a special treat traceable to a single estate in the Matas de Minas region, which is known for its rolling hills and uneven terrain lending to farms that are small to medium in size. Dutra Family started planting coffee in the region over 50 years ago and has grown the estate to nearly 2,500 acres with 10 distinct farms where coffee cherry from 3 million coffee trees is harvested by hand by more than 600 seasonal workers. While this estate seems big, it is actually relatively small to medium by Brazilian standards, which has allowed the Dutra family to focus on specialty grade, fully traceable lots for direct trade relationships. But we don’t want to downplay the big things happening at Fazenda Dutra, which includes a passion for sustainability. Solar energy is big at this fazenda where all of the depulpers run on solar power and the mechanical dryers are next on the agenda for this clean energy conversion. The estate also boasts near 750 acres of native forest to protect water sources and create natural barriers to protect the coffee trees from wind and erosion. The Dutra family also takes their role as employer very seriously with big investments in a school located at the estate and a health care program for employees and their families.
