Los Osos group lot is a tribute to the restoration and protection of biodiversity in Santa Maria, Huila, particularly in the surrounding “buffer” area near the National Park Nevados de Huila. Named after the endangered Spectacled Bear, also known as the “Andean Bear,” this lot symbolizes the region’s unique wildlife.

The remote geographical location, as well as the isolation, has kept the village away from outside influence. The coffee production here remained untouched for over 20 years. As a result, farmers are still growing mostly old-school coffee varieties such as Caturra and Typica (almost no Castillo), which are a much better fit for specialty coffee. The farms contributing to it are located at an altitude between 1750-2200 m.a.s.l.

To achieve this quality, producers meticulously select only ripe cherries, ferment them for 24 hours initially, and then for an additional 36-72 hours after de-pulping. The coffee is then washed and typically dried on patios.

Our Added Value Approach

Our Sustainable Coffee Production Program in Santa Maria, born from an alliance with the National Park of Colombia and 25 local producers (such as Faver Ninco, Paulino Quintero, Jesus Chala, Luis Vicente Hernandez, and Edwin Carvajal) aims to encourage organic and sustainable coffee farming. Preserving the habitat of these wild and endangered species, such as the Andean Bars, will indirectly protect other species in the area.

Santa Maria, nestled in the mountainous region of Northern Huila, has overcome a troubled past marked by isolation and conflicts. The farmers here demonstrate unwavering dedication to their craft, inspiring us to find a fitting market for their coffee. Now, they have the opportunity to invest in their future and think long-term, and we are proud to support their journey.

We tackle issues like water pollution, waste recycling, and reforestation, offering workshops and training on creating bio-products and organic fertilizers. Our program, led by agronomist Edilberto Becerra and Social Impact Coordinator Marco Marin, focuses on reducing chemical usage and improving soil quality through agroforestry and the introduction of nitrogen-fixing plants.

Workshops foster community building, motivating farmers to enhance their infrastructure and adopt sustainable practices. Our next steps include expanding living barriers, certifying new producers, conducting tree censuses, and pursuing carbon credit certification.

Coffee With Added Value

At The Coffee Quest, transparency is key—If you have any questions regarding our coffees, do not hesitate to reach out!  We also encourage you to review our Impact Report for an in-depth look at our sustainable sourcing practices and projects.

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