About Finca Santa Barbara

Barbara Guevara is a woman who never stops learning. When she is not working as an engineer, Barbara spends her time exploring ways to better her farm which she has owned for over a year. Before becoming the director of Santa Barbara, she took classes for one year with Proyecto Renacer to understand how to be a successful producer.

Barbara’s coffee story started with her family. The founding of Santa Barbara farm was not possible without the support of her family. Her mother, Nery, acted as a mentor. Johanna, her sister, supports the farm maintenance and her little sister Georgina is learning roasting and barista skills.

Named Finca Santa Barbara, Barbara believes in having a positive impact on the environment. Sustainability is important in this farm. One of the objectives in this farm is to protect and support the natural environment around them. This can be seen in the practices that Barbara uses. She does not use damaging pesticides and uses official Agricultura, Suelo y Agua (ASA) environmental practices to not damage her farm and the surrounding environment. There are natural ways to fertilize - for example, Barbara uses compost and manure for her plants.

Finca Santa Barbara consists of 6 manzanas and is located 1,100 masl in Taltapanca, Apaneca, Ahuachapán. Due to the elevation, this farm produces a great variety of coffee, including Bourbon, Catimore, Sarchimore and Cuscatleco. Other types of coffee include Catimor, Sachimor and Costa Rica 95. Finca Santa Barbara is a member of Texisal, an agro-industrial cooperative dedicated to the production and sale of high quality coffee and commitment to the environment through the use of agro-ecological practices.

For Barbara, every day is an opportunity to learn more. Barbara hopes to grow her coffee brand, Café Planetaria, and invest in a roastery to amplify the potential of her farm. She wants to help her community and the coffee farmers. At Finca Santa Barbara, coffee has a deep impact on the family, community and the environment.