Planting the Future: Diversifying Native Shade Trees on Our Coffee Farm
- Tomas Gutiérrez
- Dec 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Welcome to our farm—a 12.5-hectare space where sustainability and biodiversity thrive. My name is Tomas Gutiérrez, an agronomist passionate about regenerative agriculture. Leading a Coffee Technical Assistance Department has enabled me to turn our farm into a dynamic laboratory, exploring innovative ways to protect the environment while growing exceptional coffee.
Our story began in 2007 when we purchased our first farm. Two years later, we embarked on a mission to diversify the native shade tree species, planting a variety of trees to create a healthier ecosystem. This process took time, but today, our first farm is a lush canopy of biodiversity, providing essential shade for our coffee plants and a haven for local wildlife. Three years ago, we extended this effort to our second farm, where the journey of planting trees is still ongoing.
Planting native shade trees is just one part of our commitment to regenerative agriculture. For over a decade, we’ve operated without spraying insecticides, relying instead on rust-resistant coffee varieties and organic fungicides to manage diseases. Protecting our soil is another priority—herbicides are a last resort, as we focus on manual and mechanical weed control. Our soil is always covered in a green layer of weeds, reducing erosion and enhancing its health.
Shade-grown coffee is central to our philosophy. The biodiversity created by our growing canopy of native shade trees enhances the quality of our coffee while fostering a thriving ecosystem. These trees represent a long-term investment in the health of our land and the future of our coffee.
Transparency and fairness are equally vital to our work. Through our partnership with Root 86, we receive a fair price for our coffee, ensuring full traceability from farm to wet mill to exporter. This collaboration not only supports our sustainability efforts but also connects consumers to the story behind their cup of coffee.
Our farm is more than a place to grow coffee; it’s a testament to what’s possible when we prioritize nature and patience. By diversifying native shade tree species, we’re planting a future that benefits both the land and the communities it supports.
Join us in celebrating the power of trees, the promise of regenerative agriculture, and the delicious coffee that tells this story. Together, we’re proving that sustainability is more than a practice—it’s a way of life.
Author: Tomas Gutiérrez, V&G San Juanillo Coffee Farm
Editor: Praveen Ponraj, Climate Wave Coffee
Photos: V&G San Juanillo Coffee Farm
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What an inspiring journey! Your focus on biodiversity and sustainable farming is impressive. I especially appreciate how careful monitoring and precise measurements contribute to healthier crops and ecosystems. For farms aiming to maintain such high standards, using NIST Traceable Calibration Solutions can ensure instruments are accurate and consistent, supporting long-term soil health and coffee quality.