Honduras Maria Fernandez

COFFEE BIOGRAPHY

Maria Fernandez grew up working the fields of her family coffee farm with her father. These days, she had her husband cultivate coffee with children of their own, passing on all they know so that their kids will be equipped to take over one day should they choose to do so. In 2013, an opportunity presented itself for Maria to buy a portion of her original family farm. She didn't pass this up, and wound up renovating the 2 hectare parcel of land with a variety that was relatively new to Honduras at that time, Parainema. Her initial decision to plant Parainema was based off the attractive size and appearance (it's a dwarf hybrid, making it easy to pick). The fact that it showed disease resistance to leaf rust and other nematode infestations only sweetened the deal. Ironically, when the coffee plantings had their first harvest three years later, Maria's neighbor submitted their own Parainema separation to the Cup of Excellence competition and wound up taking 1st place! What may have seemed like a stroke of luck sent Maria and her husband down the path of producing Specialty Coffee. The Fernandez' farm is called "El Cipres" after the shade trees common to the region. Altitude is 1,500 meters above sea level, and all 1.75 hectares are planted in Parainema. The Fernandez family has been working with Beneficio San Vicente to improve their harvest/post-harvest practices, as well as improve their connection to the market.