In 1990, Colombia opened its doors to the international economy. Colombian producers have suffered a severe blow as they have to compete with a wide variety of imported products on the market. Despite significant leverage within the agro-industry and the National Federation of Coffee Growers, coffee producers have suffered too and this has not been resolved with the instability of the purchase prices of coffee negotiated daily at the New York stock exchange.
Don Gabriel Castaño experienced this situation and like many other Colombians, he turned to coca production to survive and not go bankrupt. Even though coca promises high returns, the financial and personal risks are often much higher. As soon as he could, Gabriel left the coca fields and rose in the cafe. And with one variety in particular, pink bourbon.
Gabriel and his wife Carmen have six children - four daughters and two sons - five of whom followed in their parents' footsteps by becoming coffee producers. Sorany, Marili, Yorlady, Gabriel and Jefferson live near the family farm.
To meetGabriel Castano
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Colombia