Alto de Saraguallas - Ecuador

Puyango, a captivating canton nestled in the southern region of Ecuador, boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape. The area is characterised by rolling hills, lush green valleys, and the meandering Puyango River, offering a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. Puyango's main economic activities revolve around agriculture, with a particular focus on coffee cultivation. The fertile soil and favourable climate make it an ideal location for coffee production. The coffee farms in Puyango yield high-quality beans that are sought after for their unique flavour profiles. As a result, coffee plays a vital role in the local economy, providing livelihoods for many residents while contributing to the region's rich cultural tapestry. 

The farmers are second and third-generation coffee producers who work with their families, with each member contributing to the overall process on the farm. Typically, these farms have implemented agroforestry systems, and in recent years, they have become more organised while increasing the size of their farms and implementing better quality coffees. Many of the producers have historically practiced organic farming, but in recent years, they have started to adopt various environmentally friendly practices on their farms, such as wastewater management. Some of them have started to implement apiculture at their farms, starting to produce their own honey.

In addition to coffee, some of the producers contributing to Altos de Saraguallas have also planted corn, plantain, and oranges on their farms. Their farms in the area typically range from 15 hectares, of which roughly 2 hectares are devoted to coffee production, with some land set aside as a natural reserve. Through their specialty coffee production, these producers have been able to provide education and other essential resources for their families.