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Farm’s name and location:

The La Bendicion farm is located in the Los Planes community, municipality of Santa Barbara in the Department of Santa Barbara. It has an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level and is 10 kilometers away from paved road that leads to the community of Las Vegas, in Santa Barbara.
What is your farm’s history? Is your farm a family unit? How long has it belonged to your family? How many members make up your family? Since 2007 I own the farm, property that I inherited from my father Mr. Amado Fernandez (R.I.P.) and my family is made up by 3 members, two adults and a 4 year old boy. How many persons work in your farm, family members, permanent employees and temporary employees? We have 2 permanent employees and hire 15 temporary workers for the coffee harvest.
What natural resources conservation practices do you follow in the farm? 1- The shade is 20% with musaceaes.
2- Associated with the cultivation of plantain.
3- Use of buffer zones.
4- The coffee wastewaters are carried to an oxidation pond and the decomposed pulp is used in the farm as organic fertilizer.
What is the shade percentage and the varieties found in your farm? 20% shade for Pacas and Catuai. What type of fertilization process do you use in your farm? Chemical fertilization formula 12-24-12 mixed with Urea on a dose of 3 ounces per plant.
What type of management do you use in your farm (traditional, semi-technical, technical?)Semi-technical. Are you part of an association or cooperative? No. What is the secret for winning this competition (describe the preparation process of the competing lot)?1 – The geographical location of my farm and the environmental conditions.
2 – Picking the coffee berry at its optimum ripening, and following good milling practices. How does it feel to be a winner of the Cup of Excellence? Happy to have the opportunity to get a better price for the coffee.
Who prepares your coffee for exportation? (Explain how you sell it and to whom) “San Vicente” Coffee Exporter, in Pena Blanca, Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortes. What is your opinion of the Cup of Excellence? It is the best event developed by IHCAFE, because it gives opportunities to small coffee growers like me. What has been your experience in the Cup of Excellence? I have participated on four times, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.