Yacuri National Park periphery

The story

The Yacuri Project was established as a collaborative effort between Juan Peña and local community producers in the Loja region. The project supports small-scale farmers, who typically manage plots of approximately 4 acres, by providing standardized agricultural training and processing infrastructure. This initiative aims to improve yields and quality while fostering sustainable practices among the local mestizo communities.

Challenges

The farm operates in a humid, tropical climate within a protected biosphere, requiring careful management of soil and plant health to maintain quality. Producers also face the logistical challenge of ensuring consistent standards across multiple small-scale plots.

Innovations

The project utilizes an 'Integrated Coffee Pulse' system to monitor soil, plant health, and drying in real-time. It also relies on a centralized genetic bank and standardized processing protocols overseen by Juan Peña to ensure consistency across community lots.