So consistent and tasty that it’s made it as a Crown Jewel selection since the inception of the program, the coffee from Hacienda la Amistad shines not only in the cup, but in its commitment to the environment and community. It’s remarkable that 97% of the land that Roberto Montero’s grandfather first purchased in the early 1900s has been dedicated to forest preservation, with 6,000 of the original 10,000 hectares given back to the government of Costa Rica for the for the preservation of La Amistad International Park, the largest natural reserve in Central America. With the 4,000 hectares that have remained in this third-generation coffee farmer’s possession, Montero has dedicated 300 hectares to organic coffee production and most of the rest is forested and teeming with wildlife. Roberto’s commitment to organic farming pairs harmoniously with his commitment to his community. La Amistad’s proximity to the border of Panama has attracted many indigenous people from that country who come to the farm during harvest season with their entire families. Roberto ensures their needs are met by providing housing and free access to medical care for the seasonal pickers. Roberto also takes pride in his ability to provide more than 100 full-time jobs to his neighbors from Las Mellizas, not only in coffee cultivation, but also in the dried fruit operation that he runs year-round at La Amistad. Roberto hosts an annual employee celebration to recognize all their hard work and he also distributes school supplies to their children each year before school starts. For further reading on Roberto Montero’s commitment to organic farming, check out this blog: Organic Coffee In The Time Of Roya. A video from La Amistad available for your viewing HERE.
