Finca Santa Teresa (FST) is a UTZ certified boutique coffee farm and mill nestled high in the cloud forest near the Volcan Baru. We produce a range of premium specialty coffees, including Geisha, Caturra and Catuai varietals. Our Geisha is a regular winner in the Best of Panama competition, with more than a dozen awards in the last decade. Our terroir – rich volcanic soils, high altitude, weather systems driven by the Pacific and Atlantic and a series of ridges and valleys – drives coffee redolent of honeysuckle, lychee and strawberries.
All our coffee is carefully handpicked and processed at our mill which is located on the main, larger farm that comprises FST. The smaller farm – Batista – is a short drive away and is separated by virgin forest and our water source, La Llorona.
We offer a wide range of washed, honey and natural green beans from more than 20 microlots. Our raised drying beds are carefully tendered each harvest and some of the finest coffees we produce are honey and natural prep. We have a guest cabin on our farm which offers visitors the opportunity to wake up to a sunrise, overlooking the rolling clouds over La Amistad National Park and, in the distance, neighbouring Costa Rica.
We pride ourselves on producing the very finest coffee in a sustainable manner, environmentally and socially. Our farm is UTZ certified meaning we comply with their sustainable standards and implement better farming practices, with respect for people and the planet. We have built our own school for the young children of families who work on the farm each harvest and we work with the charity Casa Esperanza. Casa Esperanza Panama provides opportunities for children and teenagers by providing access to health, nutrition and training services as well as teachers for schools. In turn the goal is to empower the children to educate their families and give them the skills to gain meaningful employment in the future to support their family. FST supports this charity by hiring teachers for the children of the farm. In addition to this we work with the local hospital in Volcan, ensuring regular medical visits and providing health education for the staff. We are in the process of converting as much of the farm as possible to solar power. Our staff have also formed their own football team that is regularly placed at the top of the local league!
Website: www.fst.com.pa
Contact: enquiries@fst.com.pa
Instagram: @fincasantateresa
FST, Volcan, Chiriqui – Panama 04-03-2016
Photography © Aaron Sosa
