Noruega

Farm: Noruega
Owner: Los Naranajos
Location: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
Altitude:  1450-1690masl
Varietal:  Red Bourbon
Process:  Natural
Roast: Omni
Tasting Notes:  Cola, orange, raisin, almond, milk chocolate

We sourced this coffee through Falcon Coffee who had the following to share 

The farms are part of the considered coffee forest, maintained under regulated shade with native species, ingas, and forest species. These species contribute constant organic matter to the soil, incorporate nitrogen through the ingas, release oxygen into the environment, and capture carbon dioxide (CO2), reducing the carbon footprint. These species create a unique microclimate that fosters interaction between the surrounding flora and fauna. They act as a temperature and soil moisture regulator, enhancing natural and ecological water harvesting during the rainy season and reducing runoff and soil erosion. In summer, they reduce soil and plant temperatures by up to 25%. Additionally, they have species that provide wind protection for the coffee crop, acting as windbreak barriers on all farms to safeguard and protect the plants.

Fincas Los Naranjos cultivates high-value coffee varieties with highly appreciated cup qualities. They are committed to providing the best care to achieve a balance between harvest and vegetative management. A coffee tree can have a prolonged productive life with an appropriate tissue renewal plan. Pruning is crucial, enabling constant tissue regeneration to keep the plant active and productive. The company aims to reduce biennial bearing and treat each plant as a productive unit. Various pruning types are implemented based on technical criteria: previous year's production, plantation age, variety, terrain topography, and vegetative development. Pruning practices such as topping, cutting back, skirting, hedge trimming, and thinning are used individually or in combination, depending on each plant's needs.

Since its founding, Fincas Los Naranjos has committed to minimising environmental and ecosystem impact, which is why herbicides are not used for weed control. Instead, weeds are managed manually, resulting in numerous benefits:

- No herbicide use, preventing soil and applicator contamination.

- Avoiding herbicide resistance.

- Increased labour.

- Balanced flora and fauna in the environment and soil.

- Greater presence of beneficial weeds, among others.

Their nutritional programme is based on soil and foliar analysis, which serve as the starting point for determining the nutrient needs of the crops. Four soil fertilisations and five foliar applications are conducted annually, applying up to 16 ounces per plant, depending on soil analysis results.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

To meet their activities and address labour shortages, Fincas Los Naranjos has implemented alternatives to incentivise their agricultural staff:

- Job Stability: They strive to provide their staff with a safe and stable workplace, offering employment during both the rainy and harvest seasons.

- Increased Farm Wages: Daily wages have been increased by 10% to ensure adequate staffing.

- Free Transport: Free transport is provided in farms with restricted access, during both winter work and harvest.

- No Logging or Hunting Policies: Strict no-logging and no-hunting policies are enforced within the farms.

- No Herbicide Use: A strict no-herbicide policy is maintained.

- Integrated Pest and Disease Management: Sampling and constant supervision are utilised.

- Use of Less Harmful Agricultural Inputs: All inputs used are green-labelled.