Hacienda La Papaya

The story

Hacienda La Papaya is owned and operated by Juan Peña, a prominent figure in the Ecuadorian specialty coffee industry. The farm is located in the Saraguro region of Loja and is recognized for its scientific approach to coffee production. Peña also founded the exporting company CafExporto, which supports local producers and manages processing and quality control for the region.

Challenges

The farm faces specific climate and weather conditions that have necessitated the implementation of a comprehensive drip irrigation system to maintain production stability.

Innovations

The farm utilizes scientific rigor in its operations, including partnerships with the University of Cuenca to measure soil quality and tree nutrient absorption. They are also known for experimental processing techniques, such as yeast inoculation, and for providing coffee seedlings to local family farms to improve regional stability.