For Francisco, coffee is a legacy passed down through generations by his great-grandparents. His father teaches at the local community school and has implemented coffee-growing projects with his students. It was there that Francisco planted his very first coffee plant.

Although his entire family worked in the fields, Francisco chose to attend culinary school in Cali and later worked as a cook in Medellín. He spent many years away from home, far from the farm and his family. After his mother became ill, he returned home and reconnected with his interest in agroecological practices and growing food without chemicals. As he began working more deeply with coffee, he became increasingly committed to remaining on the farm. He studied extensively and applied everything he learned to improving his crops.

Francisco believes a coffee farmer must be open-minded and perseverant. He dreams of continually improving every aspect of his farm and the quality of his coffee. He serves as both an inspiration for younger generations to remain connected to rural life and an example that, through hard work, life in the countryside can be deeply dignifying. — Cosecha Traders