Oaxaca de Juárez was once a thriving coffee growing region, with close proximity to Puerto Escondido and high elevation provided by the Southern Siera Madre Mountains, the region seemingly has all the elements necessary for success. But declining coffee prices and the remoteness of the region lead to many farms being broken up, neglected, or entirely abandoned. Finca Las Nieves, founded in 1880, was one of these farms – until 2006, when a group of producers established a new cooperative on the land.
Over the last eighteen years, the farm has slowly been turned around, using organic farming practices and an equitable pay structure for all coop members and employees. Finca Las Nieves is completely off the grid, with all its energy coming from solar, hydro-electric, and biodiesel. This naturally processed geisha scored an incredible 91 points in the 2023 Mexico Cup of Excellence Competition, securing a Presidential Award along with First Place honors.
