Norbey Quimbayo, along with his wife and children, owns and operates the farm La Esmeralda. This 12-hectare property dedicates 5 hectares to coffee production, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. In addition to coffee, Norbey also cultivates plantains and various fruit trees, including lime and mandarin.
Norbey's journey in coffee began as a picker on various farms across Huila, where he also provided lunches for the workers. In 2005, he seized the opportunity to purchase a portion of what would eventually become La Esmeralda. The income from his coffee cultivation allowed him to gradually expand the plantation to its current size.
In 2010, Norbey ventured into specialty coffee production, introducing exotic varieties such as Gesha, Papayo, and Pink Bourbon. He considers this shift to be his best decision, as it has led to higher premiums and international recognition for his coffees.
Over the years, Norbey has witnessed significant changes in the coffee industry. He recalls that farmers lacked knowledge about optimal cherry-picking times a decade ago, and processing techniques and farming practices were less advanced. These improvements have enabled farmers to produce higher-quality coffee.
