Arling Rivera, Finca Regilar, La Tejera and El Lesquín
I started working on my father's farm when I finished primary school at age 13. Secondary school was too far away and there was no transportation.
Furthermore, he was much happier in the countryside than at school.
A year and a half later, a gas tank exploded in our house. My mother and three siblings suffered severe burns all over their bodies and were hospitalized for a month. My father had to stay with them, and it was an incredibly frightening and hectic time for me. I was afraid of losing them, but I also had to take care of the land, the coffee, and two cows, all by myself. I also had to cook for myself and try to keep the house clean.
It was the hardest time of my life, but it woke me up. I realized how much I loved growing coffee and continued working with my father for another three years. Then, I decided to travel to the United States as an immigrant and 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.
At 22, I had saved enough money to travel home, and with the earnings, I bought the plots of land where I now grow coffee. I still work with my father and other members of our group, "El Pinal," but I am very happy and proud to have been able to buy my own land.
Lately, I've been working a lot with Cafesmo. Their technical assistants have taught me many new and exciting things: plant spacing for higher yields, avocado trees for additional income and shade, and compliance with the regulations that come with fair trade and organic certifications. Most interesting for me, though: learning how to prepare microlots, starting long before the beans are harvested.
I'm determined to become one of the most renowned specialty coffee producers in my region. And I'm a fighter, I've proven that before, so I know I can achieve my goals.
Property details
Three small plots of land, totaling 4 hectares. One at 1,300 meters , the others in El Pinal at about 1,600 meters .
Varieties: Pacas and quite a bit of IH-gold coffee (yellow). A little bit of Lempira .
Many shade trees, many fruit trees: papaya, avocado, lime, yucca. Some pine trees.
My farm is certified by the FTO .
This farm is certified by the Rain Forest Alliance .
