SPECIALTY COFFEE LAS LAJAS | CATUAÌ

Las Lajas is a family farm rich in tradition with an almost legendary reputation – coffee has been cultivated here since 1840. Located in Sabanilla at the foot of the Poás Volcano, the farm is now run by Oscar and Francisca Chacón, representing the next generation. Their decision for organic farming is not a trend, but a consequence: As early as 1980, they began using organic practices, shaped by the tragic experience that Oscar's father died from a pesticide-related illness. In 2000, Las Lajas was one of the first officially organic-certified farms in Costa Rica – long before organic premiums were common.

With their own micromill (since approx. 2006), Oscar and Francisca became early pioneers of modern processing in Costa Rica. Natural and Honey processes, in particular, are their trademark. When a strong earthquake in 2008 affected water and electricity supply during the harvest, Francisca reacted with agronomic expertise and improvised with raised beds and adapted drying processes – a crucial step for their reputation as pioneers of these processes in the region.