EL SALVADOR FINCA MALACARA RED

One of our first and longest lasting Direct Trade efforts, Finca Malacara sits at 1500 meters and consists of Red, Yellow and Orange Bourbon coffee varieties. There are roughly 125,000 coffee trees and 10,000 native shade trees on the 50-hectare farm. The Inga trees have large leaves that provide shade as the coffee grows, allowing for a slow maturation of the coffee cherries.

The farm is also diversified with crops such as avocados, prunes, raspberries and peaches that are sold at local markets. Both soil and plant are analyzed then given only what nutrients they are lacking through eco-friendly fertilizers.

Five families live on the farm, which gives guaranteed employment of 20 year-round positions and around 100 more during the harvest. The coffee pickers are paid 50% above minimum wage. A school, health clinic and soccer field are also available for use by the workers and their children.