This coffee is selectively hand-picked and is processed as a natural.

Drying takes place on a patio and boxes with heated air. As 4th and 5th generation coffee producers, Rodrigo’s whole family helps him on the farm.

This lot has been cultivated and processed by Rodrigo de Melo, on his farm, Sitio Bela Vista in Minas Gerais.

As 4th and 5th generation farmers, Rodrigo and his family have a rich history in coffee production. Jose, Rodrigo’s father, recalls the early days of selling baskets of cherries when coffee was still scarce in the region. They used to sell a basket of unsorted cherries for a fixed price. Today, coffee is grown everywhere in their region. There is more technology and more information at hand.

Sitio Bela Vista is managed by Rodrigo, his brother Marcio, and their father Jose. Each family member oversees a separate plot of land, continuing the family’s tradition. Rodrigo initially inherited the farm Congonhal and later acquired Bela Vista, dedicating the entire farm to coffee cultivation while also maintaining a 20% forest reserve in Congonhal.

With five children in the family, including three farmers, Rodrigo began selling his coffee as specialty-grade five years ago. Despite always producing high-quality coffee, he initially undervalued its worth. However, since recognizing its quality, Rodrigo has focused on post-harvest processing, cupping, and even built a small lab on the farm.

Rodrigo formerly sold his coffee under his ex-wife’s name, Fernanda de Souza, but now he markets it under his own name. When asked what he would like to convey to roasters purchasing his coffee, Rodrigo humbly stated, “This coffee is good, but we are just beginning. We will improve.”

Impact

Rodrigo’s family began their coffee journey as a low-income household with 5 children. Today, their earnings have given two of the siblings the opportunity to pursue university studies. In this region, very few children get the opportunity to go to university.