Patrocínio is a small community in the south of Minas Gerais and is one of the most important coffee producing areas in Brazil. The region brings all components for very successful coffee farming, such as 1,300 mm of annual rainfall, concentrated in a six- to seven-month pe-

riod between October and April and an average temperature of 23 degrees celcius. The region’s landscape is characterized by extensive savannas traversed by indigenous forests and river valleys. Patrocínio is one of the most traditional growing regions in Brazil with a long history reaching back to the mid 19th century. Here smallholder coffee farmers are spread all over the valleys and mountainsides.

Inspired by the family experience of growing coffee for more than three decades, Vera Nunes to- gether with her sister Ieda Nunes formed a partnership in 2014 to produce specialty coffees. At the Santa Rita and Barra dos Coqueiros farms. The sisters carried out an agronomic project focused on the production of specialty coffees. The work developed is dedicated to sustainability, with respect for the environment and social and ethical commitment to partners and consumers. The decision to operate in the high-quality specialty coffee market with sustainable agriculture certification by the Rainforest Alliance since 2017 has allowed Iêda and Vera to participate prominently in specialty coffee competitions.