When we choose a coffee, it must be organic, but we also look for other certifications such as Fair Trade and Bird Friendly, and great flavor! 

When we sampled Costa Rican coffees this one stood out because it was so smooth, even among other Costa Rican coffees.

Then we got to know the story of the farm – La Amistad. We are strong supporters of specialty certifications like Fair Trade, but when you have a farm that does it right without having to have certification standards to follow – it is a special place that we are proud to work with.

Hacienda la Amistad is owned and operated by Roberto Montero, a third-generation coffee farmer. Roberto’s grandfather came to Costa Rica in the 1900s as a surveyor. He later purchased 25,000 acres of land to create a coffee farm. 

The Montero family gave to the government of Costa Rica roughly 15,000 acres to create the largest natural reserve in Central America now called La Amistad International Park.

Of the 10000 acres that remained only 750 acres are used for growing coffee. The rest of the estate is a preserved forest teeming with wildlife.

The farm is also self-sufficient and entirely off the grid with its own hydroelectric power plant.

Not only has Roberto demonstrated his dedication to organic farming and the preservation of his country’s natural beauty, but he also has a strong commitment to those who work for him.

Roberto employs 100 people year-round in coffee cultivation and his dried fruit operation. During the coffee harvesting season, indigenous people from Panama come to the farm as seasonal pickers, some with their entire families. Roberto provides housing and free access to medical care to all of them. At the end of the season, Roberto hosts an annual employee celebration to recognize their hard work and he distributes school supplies to their children.