Manuel Osmín Hernández, Finca El Chupadero

I’m a first generation coffee farmer. When I was little, we had cows, although my dad helped me sow my first coffee plants.

I started with only 0,3 hectares but bought a bit more land each time when my financial situation allowed me to expand. 

So, nowadays I have 1,5 hectares. I’m still a very small farmer of course, but at least I am able to survive from the proceeds of my land. Also, I work alone so I don’t have to pay anyone. It’s hard work, for sure, but it’s also a blessing as I love what I do and I’m incredibly happy when working on my land. 

For eleven years now, I have been cultivating Parainema beans only. It’s the strongest variety, the yield is better, and the beans are bigger. Roasters like working with it too because it offers consistent quality and relatively large screen sizes. I am focusing increasingly much on the preparation of micro-lots. 

It requires more work and also means I have to pick coffee more often, and only the beans that are exactly ripe enough. But it brings more joy to the job because it enormously enhances quality and, of course, the price per pound as well.

If I am able to further expand my finca, I will continue to work with Parainema. I also make sure that there is abundant shadow. My finca is located at around 1,050 meters altitude, which is high enough for a temperate climate, but even so I need abundant shadow to protect my plants from the sunrays, especially between 11AM and 3PM. 

That’s also the best time to do a short siesta, after lunch, around 1PM. My days are very long, I always start working at 6AM and often continue until after sunset. So, it’s important to take a break as well to feel strong and energized again!

Farm facts

1,5 hectares are 1,050 meters with abundant shadow from Guanijiquil and Calzonte trees.

Parainema variety only.

FTO and RFA certified.