Colombia Garzón La Molina

José Ricaute Retavisca is a first-generation coffee producer based in the Balceral village of Garzón, Huila, Colombia. His farm, La Molina, was established in 2000 and spans 10 hectares, with 2 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation. José cultivates 12,000 coffee trees of the Colombia variety at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level.

José is a member of Coocentral, a cooperative that supports coffee producers in the region. His future goals include investing in acquiring additional farmland to expand his coffee operations.

The main harvest at La Molina occurs from May to July, with a secondary harvest, known as the mitaca, taking place in October and November. José relies on a team of one permanent worker and six seasonal pickers to ensure careful manual harvesting of ripe cherries.

Post-harvest, the cherries undergo flotation in tanks to remove the cherries of lower density. Fermentation occurs in waterless tanks, followed by drying in a plastic-covered drying facility.

Coocentral serves as the primary cooperative in Central Huila, with members typically owning farms ranging from 2 to 3 hectares at altitudes between 1400 to 2000 metres above sea level. The main varieties cultivated are Caturra, Castillo, and Variedad Colombia. The cooperative boasts 3747 members, of which 2098 are active contributors, delivering their parchment to reception points in various local villages (Veredas). Purchase points are located in Gigante, Garzon, Guadalupe, Suaza Tarqui, Pital, and Agrado. The harvest season in Central Huila spans from May to July and October to December.

Coocentral collaborates with NA on a smallholder project aimed at enhancing coffee quality and the livelihoods of producers. This initiative involves investments in technical support, ongoing guidance, and training for growers. Presently, around 70 farmers are part of this project, with potential for expansion in the future.

Since 2005, Coocentral has invested 2.8 million USD in social programs. These initiatives encompass housing, university education, healthcare support (e.g., Coocentral covers 50% of hospital bills), funeral expenses, infrastructure development on farms, bonuses for fertiliser purchases made through the coop, life and natural disaster insurance, an in-house education system for young growers and growers’ children, as well as pension funds. Growers receive 100% of the premium paid above the current market and daily purchasing prices.

Our coffee comes in craft paper bags which contain a plastic liner on the inside to guarantee freshness of our coffee. Please dispose properly at your local plastic trash container. The Village Coffee is roasted fresh every week, and best consumed within four weeks after roast date. Store your coffee in a dry, dark and cool place, avoid the fridge.