Coffee Production at Fazenda Santa Maria, Brazil

1. Historical Background
Fazenda Santa Maria is a long-established coffee farm located in the Cerrado Mineiro region of Minas Gerais, Brazil—an area recognized for its pioneering role in Brazilian specialty coffee. The region received recognition as the first Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for coffee in Brazil, due to its distinct climate, terroir, and consistent quality.

The farm’s legacy is deeply rooted in family tradition. Operated as part of the DBarbosa Group, it has been passed down through generations and remains a symbol of heritage and innovation in Brazilian coffee farming. The current generation has continued to evolve the farm’s practices, combining traditional knowledge with modern agronomy and post-harvest techniques.

2. Growth and Farm Development
Fazenda Santa Maria spans approximately 48 hectares, all planted with the Yellow Catuai variety, a cultivar known for its high productivity and balanced flavor profile. Under the management of Maria Doroteia Rennó Moreira, the farm has gained recognition for its quality-driven practices and role in empowering women in agriculture.

The farm is part of the DBarbosa Coffee network, led by Danilo Barbosa and his father Jairo, who have been nationally recognized in quality competitions such as Brazil’s Cup of Excellence. This networked structure allows for shared resources and knowledge across multiple family-run estates while maintaining the individuality of each farm's production.

3. Present-Day Production and Processing
Located at 900–1,100 meters above sea level, the farm benefits from the Cerrado’s well-defined dry and wet seasons. These conditions make the region particularly well-suited for natural (dry) processing, which relies on consistent sunlight for even drying of whole coffee cherries.

Harvesting at Santa Maria is conducted between June and July, with cherries selected at peak ripeness. The natural process used on the farm contributes to a flavor profile that often includes brown sugar, plum, and black currant—characteristics that showcase both the terroir and the cultivar.

The farm’s infrastructure supports careful drying, sorting, and storage, ensuring high-quality control throughout the post-harvest process. Coffees are often exported as microlots, appealing to roasters looking for traceable, standout coffees with consistent quality.

4. Market Dynamics and Recognition
Fazenda Santa Maria plays a notable role in Brazil’s growing specialty coffee sector. It serves both domestic and international markets with differentiated, traceable lots that reflect the precision and care of its production.

The Cerrado Mineiro region’s PGI status allows producers like Santa Maria to market their coffees with a verified origin and quality guarantee. This formal recognition supports higher market value and visibility, especially for buyers seeking provenance and reliability.

The farm’s coffees have been featured by importers such as Ally Coffee and Sucafina, with tasting profiles and traceability aligned to the expectations of high-end specialty roasters across North America, Europe, and Asia.

5. Outlook
Fazenda Santa Maria is well-positioned to continue thriving in Brazil’s evolving coffee landscape. Its combination of heritage, innovation, and female leadership places it at the forefront of regional development.

Looking ahead, the farm is expected to further expand its role in microlot production, sustainability initiatives, and post-harvest experimentation. With access to the resources of the DBarbosa group and a reputation for delivering clean, fruit-forward naturals, Santa Maria is likely to remain a staple in the portfolios of quality-focused importers and roasters alike.