We’ve been buying from Allan Oviedo and his family since 2017 and enjoy coffee from both their two farms, Finca La Cumbre and Finca Carmela. They also own and operate the Don Joel micromill which processes coffee from of both their farms as well as small lots from neighbouring farms in Alajuela thanks to their reputation for excellent quality coffee processing.
Finca La Cumbre is near the city of San Luis de Grecia and grows mainly Caturra, Catuai and Villa Sarchi as well as some smaller crops like Maragogype. It's in the Alajuela province of the rather famous-for-coffee Western Valley of Costa Rica. Situated around 1,600 metres above sea level. Allan inherited this farm when his father, Don Joel, passed away and in the early days worked as a taxi driver at night while managing the farm during the day just to make ends meet - it was always his dream to own the farm!
Finca Carmela is a three hectare farm that's planted mostly with Villa Sarchi and some Typica as well as some smaller plantings like Kenia. Situated around 1,600 metres above sea level (m.a.s.l.), it's only five minutes' drive from La Cumbre but is on the opposite edge of the hill.
Despite the short distance between Finca La Cumbre and Finca Carmela, they experience distinct microclimates that significantly impact coffee growth. For instance, rain might reach one side of the mountain but not the other, and strong winds can damage one farm while the other remains sheltered. These seemingly small factors can greatly influence when the coffee plants flower, how much sun they receive, and whether they sustain damage, all of which add up to affect the overall coffee quality.
Allan has been producing coffee in this region for eighteen years. Growing up in a coffee-producing family, he learned traditional methods alongside his father, Don Joel, and his brothers. During these early years, Allan witnessed the challenges of making a living as a coffee farmer, including poor returns for the demanding work and the rising cost of living.
When Allan inherited Finca La Cumbre, the larger family farm was divided among him and his brothers after Don Joel passed away. Determined to improve their situation, Allan implemented changes to enhance the farm's productivity. In the early years, he juggled working as a taxi driver in San Jose by night and managing the farm by day to support his family. His dream of owning and successfully running the farm kept him focused on providing security for his family.
Among the people we work with, Allan is the closest to Poás Volcano, just seven kilometres away, visible from La Cumbre. Allan worked tirelessly to build up the farm, expanding La Cumbre and taking on Carmela. However, in 2019, Poás Volcano erupted, covering the plants in ash. Additionally, the 2019 El Niño phenomenon, exacerbated by global warming, reinforced dry season patterns and reduced rainfall, impacting Finca Carmela.
These environmental challenges made coffee production difficult in Costa Rica, but we are pleased to report that conditions have improved. Allan has successfully harvested another excellent crop from Finca Carmela, showcasing his resilience and dedication to quality coffee production.
