A SUSTAINABLE DREAM

Daterra was created in the 1980s when the term “sustainability” was not even as widely used as it is now. The Daterra Coffee initiative, on the other hand, was intended to create specialty coffee with a focus on environmental preservation and social development. Daterra should be able to provide stability and confidence to our clients through forming alliances and forming partnerships.

They began producing coffee on our property in Franca (Mogiana area), which had previously been utilized to produce grade A milk. This initial coffee business allowed Daterra’s creator, Luis Pascoal, to meet Dr. Ernesto Illy, who encouraged him to seek land in the Cerrado Mineiro.

They discovered that the Patrocnio region of Cerrado Mineiro was ideal for producing coffee. It possessed high-altitude terroirs capable of producing distinct taste and fragrance characteristics. They also found that the desert-like environment benefited, allowing them to regulate quality during harvest season.

That’s when they moved to Cerrado and bought the farms of Boa Vista and Tabuoes. However, the estates were in terrible shape, both agronomically and environmentally.

They had to reimagine the Cerrado environment, including wildlife, plants, soil, and water sources, within the farm and its surroundings. To do this, they collaborated with ESALQ (Sao Paulo State University – Luiz de Queiroz) to develop the first Daterra environmental standards, known as PEA – Program for Environmental Adequacy.

It took Daterra ten years to restore the region sufficiently to produce high-quality coffee and begin exporting. They became the first Rainforest Alliance accredited and ISO 14001 certified coffee plantation in Brazil due to their learning experience over the years. Later, they added UTZ Kapeh and IBD Organic for a tiny organic section of their farm. To strengthen sustainability principles, we decided to exclusively sell coffee to sustainably certified importers to boost the whole production chain. To promote social growth and coffee security, they also exchange information among smaller farmers. Also, to get knowledge on how to continue producing high-quality coffee while remaining environmentally conscious.

That is why their motto and philosophy are “Growing Relationship Coffee.” Because their relationship with the earth, water, employees, community, and everything that surrounds us is equally as essential as their relationship with quality and their global clientele.

The trip was not quick or straightforward, but it was powerful enough to keep their goal alive. To accomplish the Triple Bottom Line idea of “People, Planet, and Profit,” 20 years of investment and resilience were necessary. Daterra is now proud of its accomplishments, which were discussed and executed by their dedicated staff.

Nonetheless, they feel they confront significant hurdles. Only minimizing the effects of farming methods is insufficient. They want to study and continually develop, relying on science, technology, and a great deal of enthusiasm to conserve and create the world’s second most significant hot spot, the Cerrado Bioma.