Nemesio Ramos

Nemesio Ramos Trujillo is a dedicated coffee producer who operates Finca Galaxia, a small three-hectare farm located in the hamlet of El Carmen, within the Tarqui municipality of Huila, Colombia. Situated at an altitude between 1,900 and 2,000 meters above sea level on the Cordillera Central, the farm benefits from a unique microclimate characterized by warm days and extremely cold nights. This environment, combined with the farm's relative isolation, is widely credited by specialty roasters for preserving the genetic integrity and cup quality of the coffee grown there.

Living on the farm with his wife and six children, Ramos manages his land with a focus on high-quality production. He is particularly celebrated for his Caturra, a variety that has become increasingly rare and difficult to source in recent years. In addition to Caturra, he cultivates Pink Bourbon, often processing these lots with meticulous attention to detail. His commitment to quality has earned him recognition in prestigious regional competitions, most notably the Copa de Oro, which has brought his coffee to the attention of international specialty roasters.

Processing at Finca Galaxia is handled with precision to highlight the inherent characteristics of the fruit. For his Caturra lots, cherries are hand-picked at peak ripeness and floated to remove defects. The processing typically involves a 30-hour fermentation period, followed by de-pulping and an additional 48 hours of dry fermentation in parchment before the final washing. This rigorous approach results in a cup profile often described as having notes of green papaya, pomegranate, citrus, and stone fruit.

Beyond his individual success, Ramos represents the vital role of smallholder farmers in the global coffee supply chain. With farms like his spanning only a few hectares, the labor is intensive and family-driven. The success of producers like Ramos demonstrates how small-scale agriculture, when supported by direct trade relationships and recognition in quality-focused competitions, can provide a sustainable path for farmers while delivering exceptional products to the specialty market.

The significance of Ramos’s work extends to the broader conversation about coffee genetics and regional terroir. Roasters who have featured his coffee emphasize that the specific conditions of Tarqui—specifically the cold nights—slow the maturation of the coffee cherry, allowing for a more complex development of sugars and acids. This makes his lots highly sought after by roasters looking for clean, vibrant, and distinctively Colombian profiles that stand out in a crowded market.

Today, the story of Nemesio Ramos serves as a case study for the value of traceability and the importance of supporting small-scale producers who maintain traditional, high-quality varieties. As the coffee industry continues to grapple with climate change and the need for genetic diversity, the preservation of farms like Finca Galaxia remains essential. His ongoing success in competitions and his reputation among specialty roasters underscore the enduring impact that a single, focused producer can have on the global specialty coffee landscape.