Located in San Agustin, Huila, between 1,900 and 2,000 masl, the 7-hectare farm is divided between 4 hectares of native forest and 3 hectares of agricultural land.
The forest will remain undisturbed, allowing it to continue sequestering carbon, maintaining habitat and refuge for native flora and fauna, and regulating the water sources and natural flows within the farm.
We will grow coffee on the agricultural land, but we want to do so through a different model from conventional agriculture. These 3 hectares were previously farmed conventionally, leaving the soil degraded and dependent on external inputs. Our goal is to progressively restore its biological activity, fertility and natural cycles, working towards a balanced system where crops can grow without relying on synthetic or toxic inputs. Over time, we aim to develop a diversified agroecological system where coffee grows alongside other crops, while improving the health and resilience of the wider ecosystem.
The idea to explore an alternative agricultural model came from both personal beliefs and what we see in the coffee market.
First, William and I wanted a place to grow healthy food for ourselves, our family and friends, reducing our reliance on food produced with pesticides and other harmful inputs.
Second, through our work in coffee, we receive growing demand for organic and regenerative coffees, yet there are still very few producers able to supply them. Conventional agriculture is deeply embedded in the food system, and for Colombia’s smallholder farmers—who often depend on just a few hectares for their livelihood—moving away from a model designed to maximise productivity is a difficult and risky decision.
We therefore decided to make El Micelio an experimental field and a way to lead by example: a place to develop and test an alternative approach, inspired by organic, regenerative, syntropic and permaculture models. By putting these ideas into practice ourselves, we generate knowledge and experience that we can share with the producers in our network, inspiring a gradual shift towards healthier soils, greater natural fertility and different ways of producing food.
Contour line design, reforestation, multi-layer design, intercropping, polyculture, mulch and ground cover, propagation of indigenous microorganisms, chromatography, soil analysis.
Follow the process on @minga.coffee
We love hosting visitors, from coffee professionals to coffee enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.
You can spend a full day with us, working alongside our team on whatever tasks are part of the farm’s agenda during your visit. Activities may include gardening, planting trees, working in the nursery, preparing or applying organic fertilisers, harvesting, coffee processing, and more.
And remember, we grow much more than coffee. During your visit, you can also discover how we cultivate a variety of food crops, including potatoes, corn, beans, cassava, carrots, peanuts, aromatic herbs, and more.
Time: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
(We are flexible, so if you would prefer different times, just let us know.)
Price: 350,000 COP for 1–4 people.
Children over 3 years old are welcome and remain under the responsibility of their parents or accompanying adults.
If you are interested or have any questions, please get in touch with Laura at laura@mingacoffee.com.
We look forward to welcoming you!
