Ecoagricola started in the 1970’s as a forestry business,  growing pine and eucalyptus. In 2000, the two brothers Marcelo and Roberto took over farm management from their father- Henrique, and started planning the farms future for the next 30 years. They had a desire to diversify and found that coffee was a perfect fit for their region. And the interesting thing is- there are no other farmers in the Serra Do Cabral region producing coffee.

These guys are tapping into the unknown. As you’ll see below, they’ve already placed in the prestigious cup of excellence competition for 2017 in the Natural and Pulped Natural Category.

A quick look at the specs

Farm:  Ecoagricola
Varietal(s):  Yellow Catucaí
Processing:  Natural
Altitude: 1,100 meters above sea level
Owner: Ecoagrícola Café Ltda. (Marcelo and Roberto Flanzer)
Town: Francisco Dumont
Region:  Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais
Country:  Brazil
Total size of farm:  1,500 hectares
Area under coffee: 342 hectares
Prizes: 2017 Cup of Excellence placed in both Natural and Pulped Natural category.

Brazil Ecoagricola Roberto

Sustainability and ethics are a part of Ecoagricola’s beginnings. Long before this became a thing the Flanzer’s had already preserved vast areas within their land. Hundreds of hectares remain almost untouched. Preservation, it seems, is built into the company’s name: “Eco” refers to “ecological” and “Agrícola” means “agriculture”.

Ecoagricola interact with the small farmer communities that surround them and have helped many of these farmers with fiscal education so that they will be able to sell the company produce for their canteen and also to other companies and markets. Marcelo and Roberto participate in their community gatherings and try to find ways to think together as a community so as to assist with the hardships facing their neighbors. They also help the farmers directly by investing in particular community needs, such as school related repairs, uniforms for students etc.

Brazil Ecoagricola – Marcelo

Conclusion

I was fortunate enough to meet these amazing guys on my trip to Brazil (October 2017). One of the most organized operations I’ve seen to date for sure. Oh, and they have the most beautiful trees I have ever seen.

In the cup, expect treacle sugar, dried fruit with a hint of blackberry.

Until next time

A note from Marcelo at Ecoagricola

“Hey Michael, thanks! We are doing fine. Just back from the farm, we’re investing in new dryers and sorting machines. As well as our first solar plant that will generate some 20% of our needs in the first phase. Very excited for that! Should be ready in 3 months. We are very happy to have our single origins being released in South Africa with you. That’s important for us and our team to see and “participate” in the last piece of the chain.
All the best my friend!”

This micro-lot was produced and processed by Ignacio Quintero, a smallholder member of the ASORCAFE – Inzá, Cauca producer group. Occasionally, with coffees from ASORCAFE,  you’ll see us (at Origin) selling a micro-lot from a single producer. This micro-lot is a great example of what this remote region of Colombia offers.

A look at the specs

Farm: Finca Buena Vista
Varietal(s):  70% Colombia, Caturra & Castillo
Processing:  Washed, fermented for 24 hours & dried in beds under plastic roof Altitude: 1 850 meters above sea level
Owner: Ignacio Quintero
Town: Alto de Topa
Region:  Inzá, Cauca
Total size of farm:  10 hectares
Area under coffee: 10 hectares

What’s the deal with microlots?

ASORCAFE represents around 450 producers from across the Department of Cuaca. This lot has been selected and isolated from Sr. Quintero’s production. Every single producer delivering to the group has their lot cupped by the Association’s cupping lab in Pedregal. Lots scoring 85 points or more are reserved for the Inzá, Cauca microlot offered by Mercanta.

So these micro-lots are essentially more traceable lots of coffee that have normally been produced by one Farmer, and sometimes just one section of the farm, for example – if there is a difference in micro-climate, soil composition, etc. First and foremost they separate these lots out due to their exceptional cup profile. As an interesting aside, they normally come in vacuum sealed 30kg cartons, as opposed to 70kg sacks.

Conclusion

In the cup expect blackberry jam and dried apricot, with a slightly tangy, berry-like acidity. Seems to work best for Pourovers, Mokapots and Espresso.

A tasty and satisfying daily drinker, as are the other Colombian micro-lots we’ve sold in the past. Excellent bang for your buck right here folks. But….it is going fast.

Until next time.