Fazenda Progresso was established in 1984 but has only been producing coffee since 2005. Prior to that, the farm specifically produced potatoes and, here’s a fun fact, it is one of the largest potato producers in Brazil! The farm was started upon 800 hectares of land in the Chapada Diamantina region of Bahia, but the Borré family purchased the land with plans to expand in agriculture. Now, Fabiano Borré, third generation owner operator is overseeing, maintaining and experimenting with their coffee and its possibilities.
Progresso stretches over 20,000 hectares in total, with 8000 being farmed but only 700 of that is used for growing coffee. The Borré family are deeply dedicated to the preservation of the land and maintain a strong environmental approach to growing and processing. Fifty percent of that land is preserved and untouched as per local regulation of that region. With the farms being fully irrigated by both sub-surface drip and center pivot systems, water obviously plays an incredibly important role here. Fabiano and other local farmers in the mucuge area meet regularly to monitor the levels of the lake the water is drawn from and how best to evenly distribute amongst them.
There's a strong commitment to quality which is present when you visit Progresso and see their processes. Harvesting is all done by hand by around 800 local workers, with 250 them being hired just for harvest. They produce wet, natural and pulp natural process coffees, and Fabiano has also been experimenting lately with shade and temperature controlled drying processes on raised beds. This attention to detail is what makes Progresso such an exciting farm to work with and purchase through. Fabiano has hinted at other experiments and enterprises on the horizon too, which we are looking forward to learning more about.
Now available for filter, try a bag of Fazenda Progresso today. Or grab a bag from Brother Baba Budan, Seven Seeds Carlton, Traveller and Hortus.
