Maidy Bocanegra

DISTRICT Bruselas

TOWN Pitalito

For 12 years, Maidy Katherine Bocanegra Nieto has worked in coffee at Finca Los Limones, in Miraflores, Bruselas-Pitalito, Huila. She learned it all alongside her husband, Alberto Mendez, watching the crops and their processes. The farm's name comes from its original owners, kept when they took over the property, along with the option to grow trees there.

For 6 years, they've focused on specialty coffee, learning about differentiated markets and better prices. Since then, they've improved their infrastructure and renewed their varieties, motivated by the goal of becoming known and earning better offers.

Los Limones runs on teamwork between family and neighbors.Maidy handles meals and drying, while Alberto leads the harvest and processing. Ripe cherries rest overnight before depulping, then ferment in water for 2 days before a double wash. Drying takes 10 to 15 days depending on the weather. Shade is minimal, though new trees are being planted. Bourbon covers half the farm, alongside Catuai and Pink Bourbon.

They also grow plantain, yuca, and fruit trees. Their biggest challenge is sustainability, rising costs and scarce harvest labor, and they hope to renew varieties for better quality ahead. What makes them proud is owning their land, a protected natural spring, and a peaceful life. Their message to customers: their coffee is grown with care for the environment, aiming for a clean, high-quality product.