Wil Paz, Fincas El Jagua and El Panal

By far the most important things to me are preserving nature and fighting for social justice…

Over the years, I bought 200 hectares of pristine forest to make sure that the local wildlife and birds can continue to thrive. Deer and coyotes can freely roam there, and the forest provides crystal clear water for four small communities that live beneath it. 

I’ve also started a small primary school in my old warehouse in the year 2000 and paid for a teacher, to offer the children of these same communities an educational opportunity. After a few years, the state stepped in. Together, we built a formal school building and the state now pays for the teacher. 

Some of the students from those first years now work the land with me to grow coffee. I started to cultivate coffees forty years ago with my parents, and am doing so independently since about twenty years. In 2012 we were hit very hard by rust leaf. My entire finca was devastated, it was simply gone, all 45 hectares of it. 

The outlook was so dire that when I asked the bank for a $ 40,000 loan against the 200 hectares of forest, they refused. So, I ended up selling nearly all my possessions to start anew. Little by little, I started planting new rows trees and I selected varieties that were more resistant, stronger. 

Now, I can finally say that I am standing on my feet again. The 45 hectares are filled with healthy plants and precious beans and I haven’t used an ounce of chemicals since the reboot of 2013. This is why I have decided to start preparing specialty coffees during the 2020/21 harvest season.

I feel confident enough now. I know that I have the right varieties and consistent quality, and I also count with the active support of Cafesmo since a few years. They have given workshops in preparation and processes and I am convinced that this is the right time for this next step for me. At my age, I have a wealth of experience, and the younger people who work with me can do the ‘heavy duty’ parts of the job.

Much looking forward to working with you!

Farm Facts

45 hectares. Half of it is finca El Jagua at 1,150 meters, the other half finca El Panal at 1,400 meters.

Varieties: Parainema, Obata, Colombia, Catimore, Lempira 

Some pine trees for shadow, but mostly local trees, as well as orange and banana trees.

Both fincas are Fair Trade and Organic certified.

This farm is Rain Forest Alliance certified.