Colombia - La Estrella

Tolima is located in the west-central part of Colombia, and it is one of seven coffee growing regions. Though coffee is still relatively new here, it already took the third position among coffee producing areas in Colombia. It mainly belongs to small and medium-scale coffee growers.

With challenging landscape at altitudes of 1.600 – 2.200 masl, agroforest, volcanic, and mineral soil, the diverse ecosystems enable to harvest the coffee throughout the whole year.

In the southern highlands of Tolima, Colombia, a region once impacted by armed conflict is now recognized for its thriving coffee culture and deep commitment to sustainability. Among volcanic peaks and fertile river valleys, a quiet transformation has taken place, driven by the resilience, passion, and collective efforts of local farming families.

The Corporation of Specialty Coffee Producers La Estrella (CORPCAES) was founded in 2015 by 56 dedicated families — including 10 women producers — with a shared vision: to produce exceptional coffee while protecting nature, ensuring fair prices, and contributing to the rebuilding of their communities.

Today, they cultivate 224 hectares of prime coffee land in Planadas, Tolima. Their efforts include the creation of a 30-hectare nature reserve, the planting of over 100 native trees to protect local water sources, and the installation of eco-friendly wastewater treatment systems.

They also participate in hands-on training programs focused on sustainable agriculture, soil recovery, organic input production, and water management.