As part of the EVS team, we recently had the amazing opportunity to visit coffee farms in Jardin, Colombia, where Nespresso’s journey to better coffee began. The experience opened our eyes to the hard work, dedication, and love that go into every coffee bean. In this blog, we’ll take you through our journey and introduce you to the farmers who make it all happen.
During our trip, we had the chance to visit the farms and hear the personal stories of the farmers behind them. Each one had a unique way of working, but they all shared one thing in common: a deep love for their land and a commitment to growing quality coffee. We want to introduce you to three farmers: Hernan, Don Bosco, and Wilson. While each of them faces their own challenges, they all share the same goal—growing the best coffee possible while protecting the environment for future generations.
Day 1: Visiting Hernan’s Farm – La India
Our adventure started with Hernan, a farmer who has been in the business for over 30 years. His farm, La India, is tucked away in the green hills of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. When we arrived, his family greeted us with warm smiles and hot cocoa. Hernan’s face shows the marks of years of hard work, but his eyes spark with excitement as he walks us through his farm.
The farm is named after the native people who originally owned the land, and Hernan has inherited it from his family. Over the years, he’s blended traditional farming methods with new techniques to adapt to the challenges of climate change. He’s started using shade-grown coffee to protect his plants from rising temperatures and ensure that the land remains productive for many years to come. Hernan’s resilience and creativity were truly inspiring, and we could see how deeply he cares about the future of his farm and the environment.
Day 2: Visiting Don Bosco’s Farm – La Fortuna
The next day, we visited Don Bosco’s farm, which felt like stepping into the past. Don Bosco is a wise and humble farmer who has been part of Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program for years. He’s even traveled to places like Switzerland and New York to share his knowledge and learn from other coffee experts.
His farm, La Fortuna, has been passed down through generations and is a true reflection of the rich history of Colombian coffee farming. Don Bosco is proud of his work, saying, “We are the custodians of this land.” His farm is a mix of shade-grown coffee, bananas, and citrus trees, which naturally protect the coffee from harsh conditions. What stood out to us the most was Don Bosco’s sense of community. He works closely with other farmers, sharing advice and helping each other improve the quality of their crops. It was clear that for him, coffee farming isn’t just about growing beans—it’s about supporting the community and preserving the land for future generations.
Day 3: Visiting Wilson’s Farm – Finca Los Naranjos
Finally, we visited Wilson’s farm, where we saw a fresh, modern approach to coffee farming. Wilson is a young, dynamic farmer who is eager to use new technologies to improve his work. Unlike the traditional methods we saw on the other farms, Wilson uses advanced systems to dry his coffee beans and even keeps bees to help with pollination and extra income. He’s also set up his own coffee roaster.
Despite these modern methods, Wilson is committed to protecting the environment. He works closely with Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, which has helped him access training and resources to improve the quality of his coffee. Wilson believes that coffee farming isn’t just about planting and picking—it’s about adapting to the times and finding ways to grow better coffee while also preserving the land. His passion for combining tradition with innovation was truly inspiring, and his farm is a great example of how new technology and old-school values can work together to shape the future of coffee farming.
A Shared Passion for Coffee
At the end of our trip, we realized that, while each of these farmers had their own unique story, they all shared the same passion for coffee and the land. Hernan, Don Bosco, and Wilson may work in different ways, but they are all committed to growing the best coffee while also protecting the environment for the future.
Visiting these farms reminded us just how much hard work and dedication goes into every cup of coffee. It also reinforced our belief in the importance of supporting farmers like Hernan, Don Bosco, and Wilson. Through Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, we can help improve the quality of coffee, promote sustainable practices, and support the communities that make it all possible.
The life of a coffee farmer isn’t easy, but it’s full of passion, pride, and a deep connection to the land. We’re grateful to be part of their journey and excited to keep supporting these hardworking farmers. After all, the coffee we enjoy every day starts with farmers like Hernan, Don Bosco, and Wilson. Together, we can help the coffee industry thrive for generations to come.
