Situated in the picturesque landscapes of Huila, near the historic town of San Augustin, lies a coffee farm called El Higueron. For Mrs Fabiola Ortega and her husband, Mr. Julio Muñoz, it is more than just a farm; it’s a testament to a family’s love for coffee and their land.
El Higueron has been a part of a family’s history for over three generations. They inherited it from Julio’s parents and keep a solid motivation to work alongside them to continue this legacy, maintaining the farm’s rich tradition while adapting to modern practices. Before they fully decided for coffee, they tried to cultivate also other agricultural products, as lulo and tomatoes. Julio also worked in transport companies or bred cattle. Nevertheless, returning to coffee production brings them more passion and commitment to do better each day. And they both decide to be on this journey together.
They started with cultivating traditional way, but over the time decided to change their patter and moved on to producing specialty coffee. Now they cultivate traditional varieties but also exotic ones, as Pink Bourbon, Gesha, Sidra and Tabi, among others. Their farmland is blessed with the soil and physical conditions. They have access to own water source, and
are surrounded by platanos, avocado and cedar trees that provide natural shadow and fertilization for all that grows underneath. That all contributes positively to the environment and their will to care and sustain it.
Today, they both believe that coffee farming was the right decision. They continue to put much hard work and love into producing their coffee, which is evident in its quality and taste. Fabiola told us that their plan is to renovate their plants, maybe bring more varieties, and try new processing’s. She is also happy that his son and daughter have inherited his passion for coffee and are following in their footsteps. So they have even more time to spend together. And that makes her even more proud and happy.
This coffee is sourced in partnership with InConexus.
The “50-50” label is ROAST’s signature branded coffee that guarantees the farmers 50% of the retail price. The “50-50” label raises the bar for sustainability guaranteeing the farmers 50% of the retail price*.
* After sales taxes and duties. All costs in the origin country and transportation costs to the roastery (including taxes, duties, commissions etc.) are covered by the farmers. Smaller parts of the farmer payments may be given as donations to projects and organisations to help educate farmers etc.