From Seed to Cup: A Q&A with Coffee Farmers
At Xaymaca Coffee, we believe that every cup tells a story—one rooted in the hard work and dedication of the farmers who cultivate the beans. To give you a deeper insight into the world of coffee farming, we spoke with several of our farmers to explore their daily lives, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from seed to cup, straight from the people who make it all possible.
Q: How did you get into coffee farming?
A: "For most of us, coffee farming runs in the family. I grew up surrounded by coffee plants; it was just a part of life. My grandfather started the farm, my father took over, and now I manage it. It's more than a job—it's part of our heritage. Every generation adds something new, but the basics stay the same: respect for the land and pride in the coffee we grow."
Q: Can you walk us through the process of growing coffee?
A: "Coffee farming is a long journey, starting with selecting the best seeds. We plant these in nurseries and care for them until they grow into strong seedlings. After a few months, they're ready to go into the fields. But it takes three to four years before they start producing cherries. From there, it's all about careful timing—harvesting only the ripe cherries and making sure they're processed quickly to lock in the best flavors."
"There's no shortcut to growing good coffee. Everything matters—the altitude, the soil, the weather. Some years are better than others, but the goal is always the same: produce the best coffee we can."
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coffee farmer?
A: "One of the biggest challenges is climate change. Coffee needs specific conditions—steady rainfall and the right temperatures—lately, that's been harder to count on. If the weather shifts too much, it can affect the entire harvest."
"Pests are another issue. Coffee rust is a big threat, and it can devastate crops if we're not careful. Keeping the plants healthy is a constant battle, and we must stay vigilant."
"There's also the market. Coffee prices go up and down, and sometimes, we put in months of hard work only to see the prices drop. It can be discouraging, but we keep going because we love what we do."
Q: How important is Sustainability in coffee farming?
A: "Sustainability is crucial. If we don't take care of the land, it won't take care of us. We're focused on organic practices—using natural fertilizers and compost, planting shade trees, and working to preserve the biodiversity of the area. It's a long-term investment. By taking care of the soil and the ecosystem, we're ensuring that the land can keep producing coffee for generations."
"We're also committed to fair trade. It's important that farmers get a fair price for their coffee, which allows us to invest in better farming practices and support our communities. Sustainability isn't just about the environment; it's about the people, too."
Q: What does a typical day look like during the coffee harvest?
A: "During the harvest, we're up at the crack of dawn, ready to start picking as soon as there's enough light. It's a manual process because we only pick the perfectly ripe cherries. This takes time and care since you don't want to damage the plants or pick under-ripe cherries."
"The workday is long, especially when the sun is high, but it's also rewarding. After the picking, we process the cherries by removing the pulp and getting the beans ready for drying. It's a full day, but it's what we live for."
Q: What role does coffee play in your local community?
A: "Coffee is the backbone of our community. It provides jobs for many families, not just on the farms but also in processing and transport. During harvest season, the entire community comes together, and there's a real sense of pride in what we're producing."
"The income from coffee sales supports local schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. Coffee isn't just a product; it keeps the community thriving. It's a lifeline for us."
Q: How does it feel knowing people around the world are drinking coffee you've grown?
A: "It's an incredible feeling. When you see people enjoying your coffee, it reminds you that all the hard work was worth it. Coffee farming is a labor-intensive process, but knowing that someone on the other side of the world is starting their day with something you helped create—it's very fulfilling."
"It's not just about the taste. When people drink our coffee, they experience a connection to the land, the weather, and the hands that pick the cherries. I hope they appreciate that each cup has a story behind it."
Q: What does the future look like for coffee farming in your region?
A: "It's hard to say. Climate change is making things more unpredictable, and we're constantly adapting to the new challenges it brings. But we're also optimistic. We're experimenting with new coffee varieties that are more resistant to changing conditions and pests. We're also investing in sustainable technologies that help us reduce our environmental impact while improving the quality of our beans."
"The future is uncertain, but we're hopeful. Coffee farming is our life, and as long as there's a demand for good coffee, we'll keep doing everything we can to grow the best beans possible."
The Final Sip: The Coffee Farmer's Dedication
Coffee farming is a labor of love, a balance between nature, hard work, and passion. The farmers behind Xaymaca Coffee don't just grow coffee; they cultivate a legacy. Each cup you drink is the result of years of care, passed down through generations, and refined by hands that know the land intimately.
The next time you brew your morning coffee, take a moment to think about the farmers who made it possible. From the planting of the first seed to the final harvest, they are the true artisans of your cup.