This community offers wonderful coffee from Guanacaste. Today, we will examine the Diria Coffee Tour and the cooperative behind it, Coopepilangosta. This organization combines a dedication to coffee production with a strong commitment to the region and its inhabitants.
Coopepilangosta is a vital part of our local economy and community, not merely a coffee producer. Local coffee farmers established it in 1962 to improve conditions for its members and the entire Nicoya Peninsula. This agricultural and industrial cooperative now supports 192 farming families. They cultivate coffee in a distinct microclimate, with farms situated between 700 and 1000 meters above sea level, which contributes to the unique Guanacaste flavor of their beans. Furthermore, they have received the “Somos Esencial Costa Rica” certification, acknowledging their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Coopepilangosta operates based on cooperative principles, following the guidelines of the International Co-operative Alliance. These principles, including solidarity, equality, honesty, and transparency, are actively practiced in all their operations. They also emphasize mutual assistance, concern for others, responsibility, democracy, equity, and social responsibility. This cooperative spirit is what unites the community and defines Coopepilangosta.
Remarkably, our coffee is grown in one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” regions recognized for the exceptional longevity of their inhabitants. Coopepilangosta’s specialty coffee originates from these highlands in Hojancha, Nicoya, and Santa Cruz. This connection to the Nicoya Peninsula’s health and longevity adds a distinctive quality to the coffee they produce and process. Each cup offers a small taste of this unique environment.
Coopepilangosta’s commitment to the environment is noteworthy. They act as caretakers of the land, aiming to preserve it for future generations. This involves protecting the soil, maintaining biodiversity, and reducing their environmental impact. Through initiatives like NAMA Café, their sustainable practices are validated, including reduced use of agrochemicals and the integration of agroforestry systems, which benefit both the plantations and the coffee beans.
The positive social effects of Coopepilangosta are also substantial for our community. By providing fair prices to their 192 member producers, many of whom manage small farms, they directly assist local families. Additionally, the cooperative invests in our region by funding school projects, improving access to clean water, and allocating resources to various social programs. Their primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for their producers and strengthen our community.
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