FINCA SAN ANTONIO

Nicaragua

A private wildlife reserve in the Nicaraguan Mountains. This Rainforest Alliance-certified farm grows high-quality coffees while protecting the surrounding environment, species and local communities.

About Finca San Antonio

The Günkel Mairena family obtained the San Antonio farm in 1976. This farm was focused mainly on cattle farming and had an assigned smaller area for coffee; once acquired, the pasture areas were reforested and turned into coffee plantations under shade. From 1999 to 2007, the farm was managed under the standards of the IFOAM organic certification.

In 2001, the farm was recognized as a Private Natural wild reserve and is now part of the Central American Biological Corridor by the management of its owners to contribute to the preservation of natural resources. Farms that are private wildlife reserves are managed with high standards of good agricultural and environmental practices.

San Antonio was the largest farm with organic production in Nicaragua from 2001 to 2009. However, organic production was discontinued, as the organic market did not pay a fair differential to compensate for the high costs involved in organic production.

Additionally, they were a finalist in the cup of excellence of Nicaragua 2021 with a batch of Obata Natural.

What makes Finca San Antonio so special?

The farm's coffee is produced under the shade with agroforestry systems and with good agricultural practices under the standards of the Rainforest Alliance.

The forest area of the farm is a critical habitat and refuge for the flora and fauna of the region. The animals seen are black panthers, jaguars, deer, sajinos, coatis, guatusas and birds such as the bellbird, quetzal and goldfinches.

In San Antonio, a small school was built for young children from the farms who have yet to enter primary school, which has also been used for adult education and as a recreation area.

More about this producer

Country

Nicaragua

Region

El Arenal Nature Reserve, Matagalpa

Owner

The Günkel Mairena family

Established in (year)

1976

Elevation

1100 MASL

Varietal Produced

Caturra, Castilla, Colombia, Marsellesa, Obata, Parainema and Salchimor.

Processes

Washed, Naturals, Honey, Anaerobic and Carbonic Maceration, and Anaerobic fermentation.