The Drive to Jaén: A Journey Through the Peruvian Landscape
FAICAL Coffee
I joined Richard and his team the next morning for a tour of FAICAL’s facilities. FAICAL works directly with 875 producers and indirectly with 2,645 farmers through seven co-operatives, primarily focusing on Amazonas, Cajamarca and San Martin.
We started with a presentation on how FAICAL supports its producers. They operate two main facilities – one in Jaén and another in San Ignacio, where farmers bring their coffee in parchment to sell. FAICAL loans trucks to farmers to transport their harvest and upon arrival, a small sample is taken from each sack and milled to assess the coffee’s quality. 
During our cupping session, I was impressed by the team’s ability to assess different types of coffee, including naturals and geishas. One particular natural coffee stood out – a boozy cup with notes of stewed tropical fruit, berries and dark chocolate.
Later that day, we set off for a visit to a coffee farm in the Huabal District. At the farm we met José Mejía Coronel, a third generation coffee farmer. His family farm produces about 25-30 bags of coffee per hectare; mostly Pache, Caturra and Catimor varieties. José has recently invested approximately $10,000 PEN ($4,000 AUD) to improve his drying infrastructure, which is a step toward improving the quality of his output each year, helping him fetch a higher price per kilogram.
El Gran Mirador & Finca San Lorenzo
The next morning, I met Luis Revilla and Lorenzo Arbildo Parra and we headed out early to visit El Gran Mirador, a co-operative in the Chirinos District. Finca San Lorenzo, nestled in the mountains, grows coffee varieties like Caturra, Bourbon, Geisha and many others. The farm is named after three generations of farmers, all named Lorenzo, adding a rich layer of family tradition to its history. This was also the first time I set my eyes on flowering Geisha.
They were blooming, and the floral aroma was reminiscent of sweet jasmine. After a short stop for lunch, we joined a cupping session with Lorenzo and Charles from Gran Mirador. They walked me through the process of working with their producers, emphasising the co-operative’s dedication to maintaining high standards. Gran Mirador also operates an export entity, which helps them navigate the complexities of international coffee markets, ensuring the quality of their products makes it to global buyers.
Gold Coffee & Finca La Palma
Today we visited Gold Coffee, where I met their President, Eddie Abarca, and Agronomist Sergio, whom I fondly nicknamed “The Plant Doctor”. Eddie and Sergio work closely with 600 producers, offering technical support and advice on best practices for coffee cultivation. Sergio shared valuable insights into their focus on agroforestry and shade-growing practices, essential for maintaining coffee quality and protecting the environment.
Our journey took us to the town of San Ramon Alto Huabal, where we embarked on a short hike to Demetrio Guevara’s Finca La Palma. Demetrio’s farm features varieties like Parainema, Catimor, and Bourbon. I was particularly struck by a towering Typica tree that stood four meters tall, a rare and impressive sight.
During the visit, we discussed the challenges producers face in keeping their plants healthy, especially combating diseases like Roja. Gold Coffee has been proactive in improving plant distribution to reduce disease spread.
Their efforts to promote better growing techniques have already led to noticeable improvements in yields for many farmers. This visit highlighted the practical challenges and creative solutions driving innovation in the region.
Nor Amazonico and La Coipa: The Future of Coffee Farming in San Ignacio
On day 6, I visited the Nor Amazonico Co-operative in the La Coipa district of San Ignacio, accompanied by Luis Revilla and several co-operative leaders. Nor Amazonico operates as a social enterprise, focusing not just on coffee production but also on improving the livelihoods of its farmers. The co-operative has received support from organisations like Starbucks Financial, which has funded initiatives such as seed projects for female farmers and construction projects for local families.
During the visit, I met several coffee producers including Walmer Correa, a 15-year veteran of the industry. Walmer’s farm spans 4.5 hectares, and his family is working hard to boost production. Their main harvest season runs from May to July, and at peak times, they can harvest up to 6 quintals of coffee per day.
Innovation and Sustainability in Coffee
My final day was dedicated to visiting Selva Norte, a coffee mill and social enterprise located just outside Jaén. Selva Norte, partners with Peruvian co-operatives to combat land degradation. They fund farm renovation, support agroforestry, operate state-of-the-art equipment, and generate VCS-certified carbon credits, adding value for co-operatives and smallholders alike.
We toured the facilities, gaining insight into their innovative processing methods and how these advancements enhance coffee quality while minimising environmental impact. The facility stood out for its clean, dust-free environment and quiet operation, with an impressive capacity to process up to ten tonnes of coffee per hour.
In addition to their work with producers, Selva Norte collaborates with various Non-Government Organisations to fund reforestation projects and empower women in coffee-growing communities. It was inspiring to see the tangible results of their efforts and how they are building a sustainable coffee future in northern Peru.