Coffee Story
Luis Marino Ortega, affectionately known as Marino by his friends and family, is a passionate coffee and avocado grower residing in the vibrant town of San Agustín. Marino, much like the rest of the Ortega family within Monkaaba, has a profound connection to coffee cultivation, bringing nearly four decades of enriching experience to the table. At 56, Marino's love for coffee began at just 16 when he started working his own lot. Although he had to pause for two years due to mandatory military service, he returned with renewed vigour and, at age 20, took a pivotal step by purchasing a plot of land where he planted 1,800 Caturra trees, recognizing the immense potential in coffee growing.
Marino often shares nostalgic tales with his siblings about the times when the landscape of smallholder coffee farming was more favourable—when high yields, low costs, and a lack of disease challenges made work seamless and rewarding. For decades, his steadfast dedication enabled him to grow and sell coffee, either as green beans or in parchment, making it his primary source of income. Nevertheless, he faced struggles during his journey, particularly after a disappointing experience with disease-resistant coffee varieties. Following guidance from the FNC (National Federation of Coffee Growers), Marino planted 20,000 Castillo trees when they were released in 2010, only to encounter issues with quality.
Yet, rather than dwelling on setbacks, Marino rolled up his sleeves and sought out opportunities to improve his market position. Many relatives belong to the growers' association Los Naranjos, enabling him to sell part of his harvest at a better price by integrating it into their blend. However, access to specialty markets and traceability buyers remained elusive, prompting Marino to innovate further.
Until 2021, Marino sold his entire production to the national market and major international buyers at typical market prices. However, this year marks a wonderful turning point—his unwavering commitment to coffee growing truly shines through! Instead of allowing challenges with the Castillo variety to sideline him, he has gradually replaced these with high-quality alternatives, including the delightful Pink Bourbon. Having planted the Pink Bourbon five years ago, Marino's dedication to excellence is clearly visible in his consistently outstanding harvests. Not only has he enhanced the quality of his coffee, but he has also increased his overall production, instilling a sense of hope for the future.
