New Update from El Paternal farm

In July 2007 I had the opportunity to travel for the first time to Central America, to our Farm Friendly Direct farm in Guatemala, El Paternal Estate. The goal of the visit was to learn first-hand the strengths and weakness of the Paternal farm production process as well as set up a new fertilization plan called BNP.

El Paternal farm, owned by Ms. Miguelina and her family, is located in the province of La Mesilla on the Northwest side of Guatemala City, close to the Mexican border. I shared this trip with Ms. Ujwala and Michael Branham from Micnelf Inc, who were in charge of setting up the fertilization program by establishing joint guidelines with a local agronomist from Anacafe (National Association of Guatemala Coffee) and Miguelina’s staff.

After one year and three foliar sprays we have perceived a higher foliar density in each trial spot compare with the normally cultivated area. After this initial phase, a soil fertilizing application will work better for a healthier tree system. The first year goal was to prepare and adapt the coffee plants to the new fertilization products and methods contributing to develop a higher foliar density and healthier root system.

This year (the second year trial) we should experience a progressively higher yield that will keep increasing in the coming years. The principal is quite simple, as Michael said, “We may be able to increase the production level little by little to let the plant improve its photosynthesis process based on higher volume foliar density and better root system.”

Finally, we have not set up any statistic-recording methods yet because to naked eye the difference of the foliar density is noticeable. We hope to have more precise data of the production yield this coming crop.

Andres Castro