Mexico – Finca Vista Hermosa

MEXICO FINCA VISTA HERMOSA

Mario Santiz Lopez is a second-generation coffee farmer and the owner of Finca Vista Hermosa, a small 2.5 hectare farm in the Altos region of Chiapas. Before they grew coffee, Mario’s parents raised corn and beans, but those crops did not provide enough income to sustain the family. Out of desperation, his father took a job at one of the larger area farms. It was there that he learned about coffee production and the potential earnings he could achieve by growing coffee.

The Lopez family started growing coffee and things went well until 2012 when their plantation was hit by leaf rust. They had been growing non-resistant varietals and the disease decimated their farm. Production fell from 60 to just ten bags per year. Fortunately, in 2014 an exporter started supporting the Lopez family through the “Mas Cafe” project. The program helped them renovate and recover two hectares. Soon, production increased to 120 bags per year, saving their farm and livelihood.

The farming community in Altos is strong. Every year in August, area producers in this region celebrate the ‘Virgen de Juquila” religious festivity. They have a big
gathering where they invite friends and family to drink Posh (a local drink) and eat Tamales. Each year after harvest there is a similar celebration with the workers at the farm.

Product image by: Joey Zanotti via Flickr

COFFEE STATS

Acidity: Medium
Body: Medium
Altitude: 1600-1750 masl
Process: Washed
Varietal: Bourbon, Typica, Catuai, Mundo Novo
Producers: Mario Santiz Lopez of Finca Vista Hermosa
What We Taste: Milk Chocolate, Toffee, Cane Sugar, Citrus