Biodynamic Farm

Fazenda Floresta initiated the three year conversion process to biodynamic farming in 2000.  In 2002 we obtained the Instituto Biodinamico (IBD) and Demeter certifications and in 2003 the certifications for biodynamic product export. 

The farm is located in the Chapada Diamantina region which is half way between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn and with an altitude ranging from 1,050 to 1,200 meters it provides the ideal microclimate for coffee farming.  The Chapada Diamantina region is the largest biodynamic coffee producing region in Brazil with over 600 workers and their families involved in this form of agriculture.      

All individuals participating in Ita Coffee are committed to the biodynamic principles of farming in order to achieve an equilibrium between nature and humankind.  (Photo team).  All biodynamic farming practices are strictly adhered to, from the farming techniques to the preservation of the land as well as social improvement.

Nature Preservation

We are committed to reserve 40% to 50% of the farm as a nature reserve area as well as to the improvement of the land through reforestation. 

In the farm section we look to improve the use of the land through the optimisation of the space available.  All our new planted areas make use of a mix crop strategy that combines the farming of several products interspersed with one another.  The mix crops include, bananas, avocados, sunflower seeds, beans, corn, etc.  This planting strategy helps improve the soil as well as all our crops. 

Social Improvement     

We believe in biodynamic farming and its benefits for all involved and as such we promote its principles to other farmers in the area.  We also work closely with the smaller biodynamic farmers in our cooperative to improve the techniques and their product and to assist them in finding markets for their products.

On the social side, inclusion is a key factor in the way we operate and as such we aim to continuously improve the conditions for all the work in the farm.  The latest project is the construction of better facilities to house the migrant workers and their families that arrive during the harvest season.  See images below of the project in progress.