El Salvador - Finca Ethiopia Gesha

Finca Ethiopia is a 34.5-hectare farm established in 2018, operated by Los Naranjos Coffee - a group founded by high school friends who manage several farms in the Apaneca region of El Salvador. Initially called Finca La Gloria, the farm's name was changed to Finca Ethiopia to pay tribute to the birthplace of coffee. The farm aims to produce the finest coffee under this new name.

The property was abandoned for an extended period before being renovated. Notably, despite its 34.5-hectare size, the owners chose to preserve the natural forest, cultivating only 13 hectares to protect the local flora and fauna.

Located in one of the most scenic areas of El Salvador, Finca Ethiopia sits just behind the Ilamatepec Volcano. The volcanic-rich soil is ideal for growing healthy crops. The coffee is grown entirely under shade, with various species of native trees from the mountainous region providing cover. As the farm borders a protected mountain area, it is home to native wildlife such as deer, cotuzas, armadillos, toucans, parakeets, and squirrels, among others.

Like many in the coffee industry, Finca Ethiopia faces challenges such as pests and diseases, including rust. However, the farm’s team is committed to understanding the land and its environment. They use soil studies to assess the nutritional properties of the soil, which inform their decisions to optimize crop health. Based on these studies, they apply 4-6 doses of fertilizer and treat rust as needed. Weeding is done manually with tools like machetes or cumas, ensuring no chemicals are used. To protect the environment, they also focus on groundwater conservation through soil conservation techniques, water collection pits, and protective curtains.