Café Reborn - Colombia Finca Villa Loyola Caturra Washed

Coffee of Rebirth: From Illicit Crops to Sustainable Hope

In the valleys of Nariño, southern Colombia, lands once used for cultivating illegal crops have now transformed into sanctuaries for sustainable agriculture. It all began with the quiet dedication of Jesuit priest Padre Joe.

After studying sustainable agriculture at the University of California, Berkeley, Padre Joe combined his knowledge with faith to open a new path for local farmers. At Finca Villa Loyola, he held workshops on soil conservation, organic fertilizers, and crop diversification — restoring vitality to the land.

This transformation is now carried forward by farm managers Alejandra Giraldo and Diego Chicaiza. Guided by the principle of “Love and Service,” they strive to uplift the community through coffee, enabling residents to live with dignity and earn a stable income. At Villa Loyola, every worker receives at least the legal minimum wage and is treated with fairness, peace, and compassion.

The farm is not only a hub for agricultural ecology and environmental innovation but also a symbol of rebirth. It holds hundreds of stories that bear witness to how people have replaced conflict with peace, transformed their way of life, and created a place where children long to return — to inherit and preserve their cultural legacy.

The coffee produced at Villa Loyola has not only won international recognition but also connects directly with the world through fair and direct trade. Every cup is a testament to the transformation of the land and the renewal of life.

Replacing fear with coffee — and cultivating hope and dignity in its place.

Coffee that Renews Hope: from Opium Fields to Arabica

In the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Karen people once relied on opium cultivation. In the 1970s, King Bhumibol's "Royal Project" encouraged replacing opium with coffee, which brought a gradual turning point to the region.

Muga, meaning "auntie" in the Northern Thai Karen language, honors the hardworking women of the community. This coffee is a story guarded by them.

With assistance from the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel religious order, Br. Anurak and Lojia Pholawat established a coffee processing center at Life Coffee. This allowed the value of the coffee to directly benefit the community, successfully boosting local household incomes. The land, once filled with illicit crops and conflict, is now covered with Arabica coffee trees, symbolizing a return to safety and dignity.

This Thai coffee from the Golden Triangle is gaining international recognition for its quality. Every bean is a testament to transformation—from opium to coffee, and from conflict to hope.

Coffee that Builds Resilience: empowering families and future generations

In the Bale region of Ethiopia, coffee is more than just a crop; it's a lifeline for many families. This area has endured decades of civil unrest and political instability, which has devastated its economy and infrastructure. As a result, its coffee industry has lagged behind well-known neighboring regions like Yirgacheffe and Guji, making it difficult to export.

Supported by Caritas Switzerland, the uniqueBean project provides local farmers with professional training and helps them establish a comprehensive traceability system. This has successfully opened up export markets, boosting their income. The project also helps farmers build a resilient ecosystem where coffee coexists with vegetable gardens, chickens, and bees, providing a stable source of food and livelihood.

uniqueBean partners with Felisa Tsegaye and the Burka Yadot Farmers' Cooperative in Bale. Together, they meticulously cultivate heirloom coffee beans with unique floral notes and a full-bodied flavor. Each bean embodies the resilience of the land and the hope of the community.

This coffee from Bale is a testament to resilience and hope. It has transformed lives, carrying the efforts of one generation and creating a brighter future for the next.