Aquiares Estate

The story

Founded in 1890 by British farmers, Aquiares Estate is the largest coffee farm in Costa Rica. In 1971, the estate was purchased by three families, and a century after its founding, Alfonso Robelo led a major transformation that focused on community building and social stability for the farm's workforce.

Challenges

The farm previously faced significant instability due to low market prices and a lack of housing security for its workforce. It also historically managed the transition away from full-sun monoculture to mitigate soil erosion and environmental degradation.

Innovations

Aquiares is a pioneer in regenerative agriculture, having planted 50,000 native shade trees since 2000 to create wildlife corridors. It is recognized as the first coffee farm to achieve carbon neutrality and maintains a model of social sustainability by supporting a community of 1,800 people.