Speakers at CoffeeCon: Marysabel Caballero

When you attend an event like CoffeeCon, you get to attend lectures and classes presented by leaders

in the coffee world. This year, the farmers and growers will be represented by Marysabel Caballero. Along with her husband, Moises Herrera, they are continuing a coffee farming tradition going back to  1915 in the Marcala Region of Honduras.

Their farm is known not only for producing coffee, which regularly scores his in Cup of Excellence competitions, but also for the sustainable nature of their farming, and what they give back to the community. They hire local workers, produce electricity for a nearby health clinic, and provide funding to two area schools.

The farm is known for its constant work at developing new, sustainable ways to grow coffee. In 2012 they cut back some of their shade trees to allow light in, which killed a fungus issue they had. At the same time other trees were planted to cut down on wind which was breaking trees in the area. They use filtered water and no pesticides, which is better for the environment when the water gets back into the ground.

Coffee companies like Stumptown and Counter Culture have not only bought beans from Caballero and Herrera, they have helped introduced varietals to them, which they have had great success with.

What a great opportunity to learn from one of the best at producing coffee. Go to http://coffee-con.com/ticket-page/ and remember to type in JavaRun to get $2 off the price of tickets, or enter my selfie contest for a chance at two free tickets.

Charlie