Nueva Esperanza - Honduras 2012 Verified listing

Farm’s name and location:

The Nueva Esperanza farm is located in the El Cielito community in the municipality of Santa Barbara, Department of Santa Barbara. It has an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level and is located 8 km from the paved road, and 12 km Pena Blanca, Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortes.
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? I bought the farm from Mr. Orlando Portillo with an area of 2.1 hectares 5 years ago, and it hadn’t been cultivated. My family is made up by 4 members, my wife, my 2 kids ages 10 and 2 years old and me.
How many persons work in your farm, family members, permanent employees and temporary employees? We have 2 permanent employees and hire around 20 temporary workers to pick the harvest. The family is involved in the milling process. What natural resources conservation practices do you follow in the farm? 1 – The coffee is grown under the shade. 2 – I use live barriers such as “Espada San Miguel”. 3 – I plant coffee in contour to prevent soil erosionWhat is the shade percentage and the varieties found in your farm? I use 60% shade with species like inga, generally Guama.
What type of fertilization process do you use in your farm? I fertilize twice a year, the first one in June with 3 ounces per plant of 28-6-28 formula and the second one in August.
What type of management do you use in your farm (traditional, semi-technical, technical?)The management of the farm is 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 location of my farm has good soil and climate conditions.
2 – Good harvesting management from the picking process until the drying process. How does it feel to be a winner of the Cup of Excellence? I feel lucky to have been able to participate in the online auction and this will also allow me to make improvements in my farm. 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, CortesWhat is your opinion of the Cup of Excellence? It is a good event that gives coffee growers the opportunity to promote the best coffees at a national and international level.
What has been your experience in the Cup of Excellence? It is my first time participating and was awarded 8th place.