Rodríguez Family

The Rodríguez family represents the vanguard of modern Bolivian coffee production, operating under the banner of their family business, Agricafe. Founded by Pedro Rodríguez in 1986, the company initially focused on sourcing and exporting coffee. However, facing a severe decline in national coffee production—driven by aging plantations, leaf rust, and unsophisticated farming techniques—the family pivoted to direct cultivation. They established the 'Fincas Los Rodríguez' project, a collection of farms designed to serve as models of modern, scientific, and sustainable agriculture in the Andes.

Today, the family manages approximately 12 farms across two distinct regions: the North Yungas (Caranavi) and the Samaipata region in Santa Cruz. These farms, such as La Linda, Floripondio, El Fuerte, and Trapiche, are situated at high altitudes, often exceeding 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. By investing in these properties, the family has demonstrated that Bolivia possesses the terroir necessary to produce world-class, specialty-grade coffee, effectively preserving the country's coffee heritage from the threat of total loss.

The family’s approach is defined by extreme technical rigor and innovation. They have consulted with international specialty coffee agronomists to optimize their farming practices and have drawn inspiration from other industries, such as winemaking, to refine their processing methods. For instance, the name of their Trapiche farm was inspired by an Argentine vineyard, reflecting their commitment to applying sophisticated, non-traditional techniques to coffee production. They cultivate a diverse array of varieties, including Caturra, Catuai, Bourbon, Pacamara, Java, and the highly sought-after Geisha.

Beyond their own farms, the Rodríguez family is deeply committed to the broader Bolivian coffee community through the 'Sol de la Mañana' program. Led by Pedro, Daniela, and Pedro Pablo, this initiative provides neighboring farmers with the knowledge and tools to improve their own yields and quality. By teaching modern agricultural techniques and providing access to processing infrastructure, the family helps local producers realize the potential of their land, ensuring that specialty coffee remains a viable livelihood in the region.

Their impact on the industry is both practical and symbolic. The family’s farms serve as living laboratories where they experiment with processing methods—such as honey and 'mosto' washed processes—to create unique flavor profiles that appeal to the global specialty market. This dedication has not only elevated the reputation of Bolivian coffee on the international stage but has also provided a blueprint for sustainability that other producers in the region can emulate.

For the roaster and the consumer, the 'Rodríguez Family' tag signifies a commitment to quality, traceability, and social responsibility. Coffees bearing this name are the result of a methodical, scientific approach to farming that prioritizes the health of the land and the economic stability of the producer. As they continue to expand their operations and influence, the Rodríguez family remains the primary engine driving the resurgence of Bolivia as a significant origin for high-end, specialty-grade Arabica.