Paula Marin Zaragoza

Paula Marín Zaragoza runs Finca Llano Encino, which bears the name of a common tree in Mexico intricately linked to the presence of indigenous groups, who take advantage of this tree by preparing fresh food (acorn oak) or to make rugs, art, fodder, among other uses. Paulina’s farm has many of these trees in the coffee plantation and in the region. As an independent producer she works with her son, who helps with harvest and drying.

The farm is in San Lucas Zoquiapán, and here they focus on processing washed coffee, carrying out a 22-hour fermentation. Paula has been in coffee production for 25 years, and 3 years ago she started selling her coffee as a specialty. Initially, her relationship with coffee began to financially support her family, and for all these years she has only planted and harvested the Typica variety. During the non-harvest months, she grows corn as a second source of income.

To date, Paula is proud to see her coffee is valued for its quality, and how this reflects on the payments she receives. Currently, one of the challenges she has on the farm is controlling rust and, in the future, she plans to continue planting more Typica trees. Paulina is focusing now on producing better quality and improving her processes. She hopes to establish long-lasting relationships with roasters and customers.