Buesaco Nariño
Expanding across the eastern slopes of the Andes in the central West of Colombia is the department of Tolima. This region is the third-largest coffee producing area in Colombia thanks to its climbing altitudes and ideal climates. Additionally, the Magdalena River basin carves through Tolima, bringing freshwater and nutrients to the soils.
It is here where William Buitrago grows coffee on his 5-hectares of land called La Esperanza. He not only grows exceptional coffee but also raises bees for honey. A ton of honey is produced from his 30 colonies each year, and with the presence of these pollinators, it is an added natural benefit to the coffee trees on the farm. The two are deeply connected, especially when flowering occurs and bees travel from one blossom to another, helping make it a successful harvest months later.
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Buesaco Nariño
Some producers in this region have only been growing coffee for 8 – 10 years, peace allowing them to leave the drug industry behind to pursue agriculture and coffee production. Buesaco is a great example of how coffee can be restorative and bring about positive change in a struggling community. Pergamino knew this area would be rich with excellent coffee thanks to the dedicated producers, high altitudes, and nutritious soil.
Pergamino began their work here with an organization, allowing them to create relationships with producers throughout the region. After eight years, Pergamino have created a network of over 150 producers, establishing their specialty project and teaching producers how to improve quality.
About Colombia
Colombia is the third largest coffee-producing country in the world, and thanks to its vast array of unique microclimate, are able to have harvests throughout the year.
Commercial coffee cultivation began in the mid-1830s and spread so rapidly that throughout the twentieth century coffee already became the country’s leading export. A mountainous topography and many tropical micro-climates contribute greatly to Colombia’s reputation for ideal growing conditions, which – in turn – have helped Colombia establish itself as a recognisable origin around the world.
The diversity of coffee and profiles found across Colombia is enormous and coffee is harvested practically year-round depending on the region. The main harvest takes place from October to February with November and December being the peak months. There is also a second fly (or ‘mitaca’) crop several months later, again varying by region and microclimate.
