🇨🇷Costa Rica

Francisca and Oscar Chacon

Francisca and Oscar Chacon are third-generation coffee producers who own and operate the Las Lajas Micromill in the Sabanilla de Alajuela region of Costa Rica. They are widely recognized as pioneers in the development of honey and natural processing techniques in Central America. The couple is also noted for their commitment to organic farming practices, having transitioned their estate to fully organic production.

Farm: Las Lajas →

TagsFrancisca and Oscar Chacon Las Lajas Costa Rica SL28 Sarchimore Java Gesha Catuai Caturra Bourbon Villa Sarchi Kenya Obata SL34

History

Following the death of Oscar's father in 1995, which the family attributed to the use of agrichemicals, the couple banned all synthetic chemicals from their farm. It took five years to rehabilitate the soil, and in 2000, Finca Las Lajas became the first coffee estate in Costa Rica to receive organic certification. In 2008, an earthquake that cut off access to water and electricity forced them to innovate, leading them to experiment with natural and honey processing methods.

The farmer's day, in pictures

Editorial illustrations of the harvest and farm work our research documented — anonymous figures, never real likenesses.