German Estrada and family operate Hacienda La Trinidad estate in the Cauca region in southwestern Colombia where the main rivers of the country are born. The loamy soils are of volcanic origin and the wavy topography and abundant rainfall deliver exceptional coffee growing. The estates are lush with flora and fauna and clear creeks. The combination of rolling hills and steeper slopes produces exceptional micro-climates.
La Trinidad is a producer who has taken their destiny into their own hands and begun to import their own coffee into the consuming countries. Trinidad Coffee Group is their US import arm that brings their coffee into the country directly. Barefoot buys directly from Trinidad and all the profits go directly to the farmers.
This model is very similar to Finca Vista Hermosa in Guatemala and Dominion Trading in Ethiopia. Barefoot is looking to continue buying from Trinidad even more in coming years.
MICROCLIMATE
Altitude: 1600 masl (5000 feet)
Average temperature C: 16 (F: 66)
Annual rainfall: mm: 2258
Type of soil and predominant element: Sandy-loam
Relative humidity %: 78
Type of shade trees: Guadua and other native species, and fruit trees.
Beginning of harvest: April and October
End of harvest: July and December
FARM PROFILE
Farm Size: 36 Hectares
Coffee growing area: 28 Hectare
Variety: Caturra
Mills in the farm: Wet mill, fully washed
Drying method: Sun-dried patio and drum dried using coffee skin for fuel
Annual production (69 K): 110 bags
Temporary Employees: 110
Permanent Employees: 20
Other crops: banana, Orange and avocado trees
Importer: Trinidad Coffee Group (the farmers import their own coffee)
