- Ever since my family arrived in San Augustin in 1978, we have cultivated the land with respect for nature. It's a natural part of who we are. Back then, we cultivated beans, yuca, corn, peanuts and Arabica coffee. The trees were so tall that we had to use a ladder to pick the top berries.
At Finca El Placer, consideration for the surroundings always comes first. This is easy to understand when you see lush trees and plants of all sizes and varieties unfolding down the slope that slides into the pristine rainforest. You quickly realise that a farm is run using organic methods. The coffee trees are allowed to grow large, the bird and animal life is lush and different plant species grow side by side. But although the biodiversity is great and the methods sustainable, Finca El Placer is a long way from theoretical textbooks filled with fancy concepts. There are no organic certifications or commercial motives here, just a desire to live in harmony with nature. For the Ome family, organic farming is simply a natural part of their lifestyle.
Organic coffee
Organic coffee production is an extremely difficult exercise that requires dedication and hard work. Many coffee farmers have had to give up organic farming, but at Finca El Placer, going organic is not a choice. It's the only way to do it. Carrots, coriander and other medicinal plants are grown here alongside the coffee crops. The family keeps bees that both provide honey and pollinate the plants on the farm.
- "We've always farmed organically, but a lot changed in 1985. That's when we received our first visit from delegates from the Colombian Coffee Growers Association, who taught us new and better methods of co-cultivation. We have planted shade trees to protect the coffee plants, and we don't use pesticides, chemicals or artificial fertilisers.
At Finca El Placer, the Ome family has created a diverse ecosystem where the plant species live in harmony with, and benefit from, each other. The absence of chemicals and pesticides requires closer monitoring of the coffee plants, an attitude that the family brings to every stage of the growing and processing process. The hard work is reflected in the quality of the coffee, as confirmed by Finca El Placer's winning position in this autumn's quality competition in La Amistad.
Family farm
- My family and I are responsible for harvesting the coffee. We pick the berries when they are burgundy in colour and leave all unripe coffee hanging on the tree. The fallen fruit is picked up and placed in separate sacks. The pulp on the coffee berries is removed immediately after harvesting and is always washed within 24 hours.
As a member of La Amistad, Finca El Placer has become part of a well-functioning community, but they are not afraid to go their own way to live their values. For the Ome family, what most people see as the demanding detour is the only way.
- Being a member of La Amistad has helped us to organise everyday life and operations on the farm. As a group, we are stronger than when we stand alone. That way we can achieve more, also in the future. That's why I also hope that the prizes in future quality competitions can benefit the whole group.
