86.44

Integral El Cípres is owned by Catalino Vásquez Hernández and is located in Cedritos community in the municipality of Santiago de Puringla, Department of La Paz. It has an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level.

I’m a farmer of tradition member of the 3rd. generation; my Grandfather and father were coffee producers. Since I was a child I learned to love coffee I grew up between coffee trees and now all my family is involve in the production process. Four years ago my mother and father died and I’m working to improve the quality of life of my 2 brothers and 5 sisters.  I work with my family, brothers, cousins, uncles etc. around 3 families work with us in the harvest season.

What natural resources conservation practices do you follow in the farm?
1 – I’m an organic coffee farmer this method reduce the negative environmental effects.
2 – There is waste water management treatment for the milling process so the water returns without pollution to the rivers.
3 –There is solid waste management treatment with the composting process.

I generally use organic fertilization (coffee pulp), eggshell, bones, vermiculture and others. Because we had the well nourished plantation and the height had no rust attack.

I am member of Café Orgánico Marcala S. A (COMSA), COOPERATIVA REGIONAL MIXTA DE AGRICULTORES ORGANICOS DE LA SIERRA (RAOS), and Denominación de Origen Marcala (DO Marcala).

What is the secret for winning this competition (describe the preparation process of the competing lot)?
Secret is the dedication and love that you invest in your farm. God give to us the best land, we just have to make the right processes on time.

I’m very happy and very motivated to continue participating in COE, the recognition and price is an incentive that drives me to keep producing good coffee.

Personally I think that I find the best way to sell my coffee is a recognized organization with highly prestigious. Is a good opportunity to small farmers to participate in the international markets. Winning an award is a motivation to improve in quality and processes.  I have participated in five competitions of the Cup of Excellence, and I have classified for the online auction the years 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. I got the 15 place in this competition.