Guatemala La Esperanza, Francisco Morales

Greeting visitors warmly with a wide smile and a friendly pat on the back, Francisco Morales is happy to talk about the coffees he's spent a lifetime cultivating.

Francisco began his career in coffee at age 15, when he started selecting coffee seeds and started planting in his nursery for his first small lot next to the main road. He's faced many challenges over the years, but has grown his lot sizes and increased quality over time. In the year 2000 for example, prices dropped drastically. He bought neighboring land to increase production, and over the years has been able to provide for his family. He has 7 daughters and 20 grandchildren, a few of whom provide support around the farm.

Located in El Coyegual, La Esperanza is an incredible farm. The coffee plants are lush and full, separated into well manicured lots under a canopy of shade trees. Don Francisco's family's home sits across the valley from his farm, the drying patios offering a beautiful view of the entire estate.