This lot comes to us from Geraldine Buitrago of Finca La Esperanza in Ibague, Tolima, a young coffee farmer who represents the new generation of coffee producers in her family. She grew up inspired by her father's example, who passionately dedicated his life to coffee and beekeeping. From a young age, Geraldine witnessed how hard work on the farm, caring for the bees, and daily discipline could transform her family’s life. That same spirit now inspires her to forge her own path as a coffee producer.
Part of her family's transition into specialty coffee, Geraldine and her brother Mauricio manage their own coffee plots, focusing on improving quality through careful harvesting, selective picking, and attention to processing. Beyond coffee, both siblings are also dedicated to beekeeping and goat farming, integrating activities that not only strengthen the family’s economy but also create a more resilient and sustainable farm system.
Geraldine proudly speaks about how the bees, the goats, and coffee coexist in harmony on the farm. For her, each activity is interconnected: the bees help the coffee trees bloom and produce a clearer, sweeter honey; the goats provide milk while also contributing to soil health and resource management. These practices bring balance to the farm and reinforce her vision of sustainable agriculture.
At just 23 years old, Geraldine embodies the generational transition taking place in the Colombian countryside: young producers who, inspired by their roots, see specialty coffee and agricultural diversification not only as a livelihood but as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and continue building upon their parents’ legacy.
