Oscar Arnoldo Ramírez Garcia, farm Las Torreras

In 1990 I started working in coffee when I was nine years old.

My father worked in a nursery and in farm renovation and I had to help him to ensure the family income. And about five years later I started working on the farm itself.

My wife also has a long history in coffee growing. She as well started working when she was very young, and together we manage our plots, which measure 3 hectares. I myself focus mostly on renovation and farm management, and my wife mostly on drying. Together we do the high season harvesting.

It has not been easy but little by little we have been able to grow and build our own operation. Our son lives in the United States since many years and sent the necessary funds to Honduras to buy part of our land. And our daughter, Rosanni, is an employee of Cafesmo, responsible for traceability and certifications. Her knowledge is valuable to the work we do on the farm.

Our cousin, Allan, also helps us. He and his wife Yoreci have more experience in the preparation of micro-lots and support us at key moments. We need that quality and price differentiation to improve our income.

And yet, we still receive some financial support from our son in the United States, and I also work as a bricklayer in the off-season. That said, I am very happy with my life and my work as well.

I don't have bosses, I don't have anyone dictating my day. I work when I want, on what I want, and in my own way. That sense of freedom is very valuable to me. Besides, I work in a very healthy environment, in the middle of nature, with a climate that is never too cold or too hot. The truth is that I feel very grateful and happy.

Farm facts

Three plots that together measure 3 hectares, all around 1350 meters altitude

There is a lot of shade, from liquidámbar, guamo, orchard, plantain and some lemon trees.

The main varieties are Parainema, Catuaí, Icatú and Lempira.

We are in the process of certification (in 2025) for Fair Trade and Organic.