Behind the Scenes: The Daily Life of a Coffee Farmer

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a morning ritual for many, a comforting routine that signals the start of a new day. But have you ever wondered about the journey your coffee takes before it reaches your cup? Behind each sip lies the hard work and dedication of coffee farmers who rise with the sun to cultivate the beans that bring us so much joy. This article aims to take you behind the scenes, into the daily life of a coffee farmer, revealing the challenges and rewards that come with this demanding yet fulfilling profession.

Morning Routine

Early Start

The day for a coffee farmer begins at the crack of dawn. Around 4:00 AM, the household starts to stir. Farmers wake up early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours, preparing themselves for the long day ahead. In many regions, families live in close-knit communities where everyone contributes to the farming activities. The first task is often a cold shower, refreshing but brisk, which helps wake up the body and mind. Water is a precious resource, especially in remote areas, so every drop is used efficiently.

Breakfast

After freshening up, it’s time for breakfast. The meal is simple but hearty, designed to provide the energy needed for the physically demanding work. Common items include frijoles (kidney beans), tortillas made from corn flour, and rice. In some regions, families also enjoy yuca soup with tortillas. Freshly brewed coffee, made from beans grown on their own farm, is a staple, providing both warmth and a caffeine boost. The breakfast table is a place of quiet conversation, where plans for the day are discussed and the family bonds are strengthened. This morning ritual sets the tone for the day, blending tradition with the practical needs of a farming life.

Heading to the Fields

Journey to the Plantation

With breakfast finished, it’s time to head to the fields. The journey varies depending on the location of the farm. Some farmers live on the plantation grounds, making the commute a short walk. Others travel by foot through rugged terrain for up to an hour. The path is often beautiful, with lush greenery and the first light of day casting a golden hue over the landscape. This walk is a moment of peace before the hard work begins, a time to connect with nature and prepare mentally for the tasks ahead.

Preparation for Work

Upon reaching the fields, the farmers gear up for a day of labor. They wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats to shield from the sun, sturdy boots, and gloves. Each farmer carries a basket, called a canasta, which is tied around the waist and used to collect the coffee cherries. The tools of the trade are simple but effective, passed down through generations and adapted to the specific needs of the coffee trees. This preparation is crucial, as it ensures that the farmers can work efficiently and safely throughout the day.

Work in the Fields

Picking Coffee Cherries

The primary task of the day is picking coffee cherries. This work requires skill and patience. Coffee cherries do not ripen all at once, so farmers must carefully select only the ripe, red cherries, leaving the unripe ones to mature for future harvests. This meticulous process ensures the highest quality coffee beans. The trees are often located on steep hillsides, making the work even more challenging. Farmers must navigate the slopes with agility, balancing their baskets as they move from tree to tree. The picking process is labor-intensive, but it is also a time-honored tradition that connects farmers to their land and their crop.

Challenges Faced

Working in the fields is not without its challenges. The physical demands are immense, with farmers spending up to nine hours a day bending, reaching, and carrying heavy loads. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rains turning the ground into a slippery mess. Insects and other pests pose constant threats, and farmers must be vigilant to protect both themselves and their crops. Despite these difficulties, the farmers remain focused and resilient, driven by a deep commitment to their work and their families. Their perseverance is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring value of hard work.

Midday Break

Lunch Break

Around midday, it’s time for a well-deserved break. Farmers gather under the shade of large trees or in communal areas to enjoy their lunch. The meal is simple but nourishing, often consisting of tortillas, rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables. In some regions, the lunch is prepared by the family members who stay back from the fields, creating a sense of community and shared effort. The break is a time to rest, recharge, and connect with fellow farmers. Stories and jokes are exchanged, and the sense of camaraderie is palpable. This communal meal is not just about nourishment; it’s about building and maintaining strong social bonds.

Rest Period

After lunch, many farmers take a short rest. They lie down on blankets spread out on the grass, enjoying a brief nap or simply relaxing and chatting with friends. This rest period is essential for maintaining energy and focus throughout the long afternoon. It’s a moment of respite, a chance to recover from the physical exertion of the morning and prepare for the second half of the day. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the sounds of nature providing a soothing backdrop. This rest is a crucial part of the daily routine, allowing farmers to return to their work refreshed and rejuvenated.

Afternoon Work

Continuation of Picking

The afternoon brings more hours of picking coffee cherries. The work continues with the same care and precision as in the morning. Farmers often hum tunes or chat quietly as they work, creating a rhythm that helps them maintain their pace. The sun is higher and the temperature warmer, making the work even more strenuous. Despite the heat and fatigue, the farmers remain dedicated, knowing that their efforts will result in a successful harvest. The afternoon is a test of endurance, but it also brings a sense of satisfaction as the baskets fill up and the day’s work progresses.

Quality Control

Ensuring the quality of the harvested cherries is a critical part of the process. Farmers take care to avoid picking unripe or damaged cherries, which can affect the flavor and quality of the final product. After filling their baskets, they carefully sort through the cherries, removing any that do not meet their standards. This attention to detail is what sets high-quality coffee apart and is a point of pride for the farmers. Quality control is not just about meeting market standards; it’s about honoring the craft and tradition of coffee farming. The farmers’ commitment to excellence is evident in every cherry they pick and every bean they process.

End of the Day

Weighing and Payment

As the sun begins to set, the day’s work comes to a close. Farmers gather at a central location to weigh their harvest. The cherries are measured in latas or cajuelas, and the weight is recorded. Payment is often based on the amount harvested, with each farmer receiving tokens or cash for their efforts. This moment is both rewarding and essential, as it determines the income that supports their families. The weighing process is a time of community and shared accomplishment, as farmers compare their harvests and celebrate their hard work. The sense of achievement is tangible, and the atmosphere is filled with a mix of relief and pride.

Processing the Coffee

Once the cherries are weighed, the initial processing begins. This involves de-pulping the cherries to separate the beans from the fruit. The beans are then washed and laid out to dry, a process that can take several weeks. Some farms have small processing facilities on-site, while others transport their cherries to larger mills. The processing stage is crucial for developing the flavors and qualities that coffee enthusiasts appreciate. It requires careful attention and expertise, with farmers monitoring the beans to ensure they are dried evenly and properly. This stage of the process is a blend of science and art, reflecting the deep knowledge and skill of the farmers.

Evening Routine

Returning Home

With the day’s work complete, farmers make their way back home. The journey is often slower and more relaxed than in the morning, with the fatigue of the day settling in. The sun sets over the fields, casting a golden glow that signals the end of another hard day’s work. This return home is a time for reflection and a chance to unwind. The walk back is filled with a sense of accomplishment, as farmers look forward to a restful evening with their families.

Dinner and Family Time

Back at home, dinner preparations begin. The meal is simple but hearty, often including staples like rice, beans, and tortillas, along with fresh vegetables and occasionally meat. Families gather around the table, sharing stories from the day and enjoying each other’s company. This time is precious, a chance to bond and support one another. After dinner, some farmers may spend time on household chores or preparing for the next day’s work, while others relax and unwind. By 8:00 PM, most families are ready for bed, ensuring they get enough rest before the next early start. The evening routine is a blend of work and relaxation, providing a balanced end to the day.

The daily life of a coffee farmer is one of hard work, dedication, and resilience. From the early morning start to the evening return home, every moment is filled with tasks that require skill, patience, and a deep connection to the land. These farmers are the unsung heroes behind the beloved beverage that fuels our mornings and warms our hearts. By understanding their daily routines and the challenges they face, we can better appreciate the effort and care that goes into every cup of coffee. Supporting fair trade and sustainable coffee practices is one way to honor their hard work and ensure a brighter future for coffee farmers and their families.