Arling Rivera, Finca Regilar and two more plots: La Tejera and El Lesquin

I started to work in my dad’s finca when I finished elementary school at age 13. Secondary school was too far away and there was no transportation.

Besides, I was much happier in the field than I have ever felt at school.

A year and a half later, a gas tank exploded in our house. My mom and three siblings had severe burns all over their bodies and were hospitalized for a month. My dad had to stay with them and it was an incredibly scary, hectic time for me. I was afraid to lose them, but I also had to take care of the land, the coffee, two cows, all by myself. I also had to cook for myself and try to keep the house clean.

It was by far the hardest time of my life, but it woke me up. I noticed how much I loved growing coffee and continued to work with my dad for another three years. Then, I decided to travel to the US as an illegal alien, and I ended up in Minnesota. A beautiful region but extremely cold and I had three minor car accidents because I wasn’t used to driving in the snow.

When I was 22, I had saved enough money to travel home and with the proceeds, I bought the plots of land that I now grow coffee on. I still work with my father and with other members of our ‘El Pinal’ group, but I’m really happy and proud that I was able to buy my own piece of land.  

Lately, I work a lot with Cafesmo. Their technical assistants have taught me lots of new, exciting stuff. Plant distancing for higher yield, avocado trees for additional income and shade, following the rules that come with fair trade and organic labels. Most interestingly for me: learning how to prepare micro-lots, starting long before the beans are picked.

I’m determined to become one of the most renowned specialty producers of my region. And I’m a fighter, I’ve proven that before, so I know that I can realize my goals!

Farm facts

Three small lots, together 4 hectares. One at 1,300 meter, the others in Pina at around 1,600 meters.

Varieties: Pacas and quite a lot of IH-café oro (yellow). A bit of Lempira.

Lots of trees for shadow, many fruit trees, papaya, avocado, lime, yuca. Some pine trees.

My finca is FTO certified.

This farm is Rain Forest Alliance certified.