Aquiles Luque Roman

In the foothills of the Peruvian Andes, at an astounding elevation of 2,348 meters above sea level (masl), Aquiles Yuñeor Luque resides with his wife, Shenizareth Perez, on their farm named Nueva Luz (New Light). Aquiles chose this name for the farm because it symbolizes the progress and success he has experienced since he began working on it. It has brought positive changes to his life and family. Aquiles started coffee production around 2019, as it is the primary source of income and the main economic activity in his region. He decided to get involved to improve his prospects. Since 2021, he has focused on producing high-quality coffee and has learned how to refine his processes and overall farm management. Specialty coffee has enabled him to receive fair prices for the effort he invests in producing his coffee, and his earnings have helped cover household expenses. Many things have changed, and he has learned important lessons, such as the significance of not storing wet coffee and conducting farm activities at the right times to prevent pests and diseases. Moreover, with his increased income, he has been able to provide education for his children, which brings him immense satisfaction. He receives assistance on the farm from his wife and his father-in-law. Currently, he takes pride in the varieties he has planted, including Geisha and Bourbon, which have yielded high cup qualities. His primary goal now is to expand the farm’s production area, and he also aims to improve his wet mill to continue producing top-quality coffee.

Regarding his coffee processing, Aquiles begins by hand-picking ripe cherries, which are then transported to the wet mill on his farm. There, the cherries are depulped and left to ferment for 36 hours in tanks. Subsequently, the coffee is washed and transferred to drying beds, where it will take approximately 12 to 20 days to reach its ideal humidity level. Once ready, he transports the coffee to Caravela’s purchasing station in Quillabamba.