The Story of Daniella and Pedro Rodriguez: Pioneers of Bolivian Specialty Coffee
Pedro and Daniela Rodriguez are the driving force behind Fincas Los Rodríguez and Agricafe, a family-run business that has become a leader in Bolivian specialty coffee. Their journey is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to revitalizing Bolivia’s coffee industry.
From Exporters to Coffee Producers
For decades, the Rodriguez family worked as coffee exporters, sourcing from smallholder farmers across Bolivia. But as production declined due to economic instability, climate change, and aging infrastructure, they made a bold decision: to begin farming themselves. In 2012, they launched the Buena Vista Project, a network of twelve farms in Caranavi and Samaipata, designed to showcase sustainable, high-quality coffee production.
Finca La Linda: The First of Many
Their first farm, Finca La Linda, became the foundation for their approach, combining scientific farming methods with environmental stewardship. It was here that they developed the practices that now guide all their farms and the Sol de la Mañana training program, which supports local producers with education and resources.
Today, Fincas Los Rodríguez includes farms like Las Alasitas, Floripondio, and El Fuerte, growing a wide range of varietals such as Caturra, Java, SL28, and Geisha. These farms are known for producing some of the most distinctive and traceable coffees in Bolivia.
The Challenges of Coffee Production in Bolivia
Producing specialty coffee in Bolivia comes with unique challenges. The country’s coffee-growing regions are remote and mountainous, making transportation and infrastructure development difficult. Political and economic instability has discouraged investment, while climate change has introduced unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and pests.
These factors have led many smallholder farmers to abandon coffee altogether. National production has declined sharply, making the work of Agricafe and Fincas Los Rodríguez even more vital. Their farms not only produce exceptional coffee but also serve as models of what’s possible through innovation and collaboration.
A Lasting Partnership with Ozone and Hasbean
The relationship between Agricafe and Ozone Coffee Roasters began in 2016 and has grown into a close, collaborative partnership. In 2018, Ozone joined forces with Hasbean, a UK-based specialty coffee company that had already been working with the Rodriguez family for several years. This acquisition brought a shared commitment to Bolivian coffee under one roof and deepened our connection to the work being done at Fincas Los Rodríguez.
Pedro, a former banker with a passion for progress, and Daniela, who now co-leads Agricafe with her brother Pedro Pablo, are not just coffee producers, they're pioneers. Their work is helping to preserve Bolivia’s place in the global coffee industry, and their coffees continue to inspire us year after year.
