People
Márcia de Jesus Souza Borges and her husband Maurillo own two small farms in the region of Campanha in the Mantiqueira Mountains in Minas Gerais. They purchased Sítio Nossa Senhora Aparecida and later inherited Nossa Senhora da Paz from Maurillo’s father. They live on the farm with their two children, who are both equally as passionate about specialty coffee and love experimenting with fermentation and learning about the industry.
The farms are almost entirely family run, unless they need a few helping hands during harvesting. Back in 2011 they were feeling unmotivated and considered selling the farm, until they entered the Cup of Excellence and to their surprise came 11th place, Since then they have loved taking part in many competitions and really seeing how their coffee quality improves.
Product
Sítio Nossa Senhora Aparecida is a small farm yielding around 250 bags per year from their 8.5 hectares. Marcia and Maurillo have put their heart and soul into producing the best quality coffee they can. They are also certified Fairtrade and Certifica Minas, as well as being in the process of becoming Organic. Their goal for the next few years is to become the winner of the Cup of Excellence, which we think they’re well on their way to achieving!
They always reform their crop, meaning that they are harvested biannually. They had a good harvest year and expect next year to be even better!
Price
Planet
Alongside coffee, they also harvest corn and avocados, as well as raising chickens, pigs & fish. All of this helps keep the farm running and means they’re not solely reliant on their income from coffee.
They are more than aware of the volatile climate situation in Brazil, having experienced a year of zero harvest due to drought. However with the help of The Coffee Quest, they have access to quality markets which helps them increase their margins and allows them to invest in improving the quality of their coffee and preventative measures against climate change.
Discover other stories from Brazil...
Fazenda Do Salto, Mangalarga Marchador!
In 2019 we visited the 800 hectares farm “Fazenda do Salto” which has a long history that goes back 100 years ago. Coffee and horses! Otávio Reis is the 5th generation is experimenting to improve quality, we are happy to be part of it.
Fazenda do Juquinha – Brothers of Boldness
Ivan and Eder are two bold brothers-in-law who run Fazenda do Juquinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The history of the farm is filled with boldness and bravery.
Cocapil’s Mogiana Gold
Cocapil, one of the sizeable cooperatives that play critical role in contributing to the social and economical development of their region.