477: Inspiring the next generation of Coffee Farmer w/ Yolima Taborda Rojas of Paisa Coffee, Colombia

Two of the most important things that help coffee farmers are market access, and being able to invigorate the younger generation to work in and advocate for coffee farming.  While at the SCA Expo in Chicago this year I tasted some amazing coffees from Colombia that were presented by today's guest who has taken one the challenge to represent her family's farm and many other small farmers in Colombia while also inspire the next generation in the process. 

Yolima Taborda Rojas is the founder of Paisa Coffee and a native Colombian and daughter of coffee farmers. Her dream has always been to share the love she has for coffee with the world. I believe the best cup of coffee is achieved when both farmers and roasters work together to improve quality and add value. ‍ Yolima was born and raised on Finca la Vega farm, which is currently one of Paisa's partner farms. At Paisa Coffee they have some of the most special coffees to offer to the world. Coming straight from origin gives Yolima the opportunity and honor to speak on behalf of her family and neighbor farmers to share with coffee roasters what they want to show and what they have to offer through long-standing relationships with coffee farmers in Colombia 

We cover:

• Growing up in a coffee family in Colombia
• the importance of education and the value of coffee to their livelihood.

•  Yolima's journey from the farm to college in Medellin and eventually to the United States 
•  Discovering the potential of direct trade and started her own coffee business, bridging the gap between farmers and roasters.
• The importance of feedback from roasters
• Why managing risk in the coffee business requires a conservative approach and a willingness to experiment with smaller changes.
• How education and technology play a key role in empowering the next generation of coffee farmers.
• Why supporting both specialty and commercial coffees is important for the sustainability
• How consumers have the power to drive change by asking questions, seeking information, and supporting ethical and sustainable practices

Links:

https://www.paisacoffee.net/about

@paisacoffeellc

Related Episodes: 

• 319 : A Conversation w/ World Barista Champion, Diego Campos of Colombia!
• 103 : The Colombian Coffee Connection w/ Ervin Liz
• Sustainability Series #2 : Importing & Roasting
• 335: A Better Business Model for Coffee Farmers w/ Thaleon Tremain of Pachamama Coffee

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