FERNANDO CARDENAS, LA PALMA & EL TUCAN - COLOMBIA

Fernando Cardenas farms in the La Mesa region of Cundinamarca, Colombia, where he manages two farms, one that is rented and one a family property. His work in coffee began with a few trees and a curiosity to see what would grow. Encouraged by early results, Fernando expanded his cultivation slowly, learning by observing what the plants needed. Without formal training, he relies on careful attention and firsthand knowledge to guide his decisions. His farm, El Moho, sits at 1600 MASL and is planted with Castillo. Though he has not yet received formal recognition for quality, Fernando sells his coffee to La Palma y El Tucán and has earned a reputation for growing clean, healthy lots. This particular coffee was processed using the PH Clarity method, which includes a multi-stage anaerobic fermentation and long drying times to develop complexity and balance. Fernando fertilizes his farm with compost and poultry manure, and he avoids all herbicides and synthetic inputs. Pest control is done manually, including a clever method of trapping coffee berry borers in sealed bags. While he is still learning about regenerative agriculture, his mixed-crop approach, growing plantains and palms alongside coffee, reflects a deeper instinct toward resilience and biodiversity.