At Finca La Bella, the legacy of coffee cultivation is deeply intertwined with the principles of regenerative agriculture. Owned by brothers Heriberto, Esteban, and Arturo Marin, La Bella stands as a testament to over 130 years of dedication to coffee farming, beginning with their great-grandfather’s vision. Originally a cattle farm, the estate transitioned to specialty coffee cultivation with the introduction of the Arabica Typica variety, and later expanded to include Caturra and Catuaí varieties.

 

Over the last five generations, La Bella has undergone significant transformation, particularly in its approach to farming. Initially, conventional fertilizers and herbicides were used, but the family observed soil degradation and declining plant health coupled with health issues within the family.  In response, they made a pivotal shift 40 years ago toward regenerative agricultural practices, moving away from synthetic chemicals. This transition marked a new era of soil health restoration, characterized by several key regenerative strategies:

 

By ceasing the use of synthetic chemicals, the family allowed the soil to naturally regenerate. They implemented practices that increased soil organic matter, such as composting and cover cropping. These methods enhanced soil fertility, improved water retention, and supported beneficial microorganisms.  The family experienced a shift in their health and regenerative agriculture became a philosophy of life.

 

Leaving trees to grow and maintaining a vegetative cover became fundamental to their approach. This naturally shaded environment provided a habitat for new species of birds while reducing soil erosion, and regulated temperature and humidity, which are critical for coffee plant health.

 

By enhancing soil health and increasing vegetation, La Bella contributes to carbon sequestration, a key aspect of combating climate change. The farm’s practices help to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in the soil and plant biomass.  

In the early 1990s, La Bella became one of the first USDA organic-certified farms in Costa Rica, a significant milestone in their commitment to sustainable agriculture. However, in 2010, a severe coffee rust outbreak necessitated a temporary departure from organic certification. The family opted for targeted agrochemical use to manage the disease while maintaining their commitment to regenerative practices. This included selective pruning of affected plants and minimal use of fungicides, never near harvest time.  Given the family’s philosophy and belief in regenerative agriculture, thye kept their practices and enhanced soil health. 

As a result, La Bella’s dedication to regenerative agriculture was recently recognized with a Regenified Tier 5 certification, the highest possible accolade. This certification highlights their successful integration of high-quality coffee production with rigorous environmental stewardship. It reflects their commitment to maintaining a balance between productivity and ecological health.

 

Today, the farm faces the challenge of attracting the younger generation back to coffee farming amidst years of low returns. Through the Kiss The Ground initiative, we aim to reinvigorate interest among the fifth generation, encouraging them to collaborate with their fathers and sustain the family’s rich coffee legacy.

 

A visit to La Bella reveals the Marin family's passion for regenerative agriculture in every facet of their farm. Observing Heriberto against the backdrop of lush green mountains, picking ripe nísperos from a nearby tree, one can see his profound belief in creating a thriving, biodiverse environment. The farm’s story is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and an enduring commitment to the health of both the land and the specialty coffee it produces. We are honored to support and celebrate their work and invite you to enjoy their exceptional coffee, knowing it is cultivated with care and a deep respect for nature.  This specialty delicious coffee is processed as semi washed.