Tito Monge
Not only is his coffee of high quality, he is also making great progress in the field of sustainability.
When Tito had the idea of starting a micro mill, he knew that the way to maintain the plantation had to change in order to produce in harmony with the environment. That’s why he only uses products that match that idea and help him have a minimal impact on nature.
PESTICIDES
Preventive & timely maintenance
Pesticides are used according to what is really needed, always following the advice of experts. There are many plant diseases that are difficult to limit and control, but they can be managed on the plantation by taking preventive measures and carrying out timely maintenance. If this is not done, there’s a chance that diseases will increase and more and more pesticides will have to be used.
Tito believes that by producing in this way, the conditions of the plantation improve and sustainable production can continue over time. It also ensures that more and better harvests occur. Tito gets better every year at applying sustainable working methods.
SOIL EROSION
Micro organisms
Soil erosion is an aspect that the plantations in Tarrazu (the region where Tito’s plantation is located) have had a lot to do with. In the past, the soil in this region was very fertile and the soil gave good harvests without much maintenance.
This has changed. Much of the ground in Terrazu is outworn and much more effort is required to achieve the desired result. Tito performs special operations to restore the condition of the ground:
- Manually remove weeds to use less pesticides.
- Applying micro-organisms to break down more and better decomposition of organic material, which is good for the ventilation of the soil.
- The application of these micro-organisms also creates a different kind of “softer” weed, which isn’t an enemy to the coffee plants. These microorganisms also regulate the bacteria and nematodes that could have a negative effect on the growth and yield of a plant. In short, the application of micro-organisms ensures a balanced and sustainable environment.
WATER SAVING
A valuable source
Water is used as minimally as possible on the plantation and in the wet-mill. Water is a very valuable resource and must be protected.
GLOBAL WARMING
Preserving Biodiversity
On Tito’s plantation there is CO2 production from the Poro tree, banana plants and avocado. The shade of these trees minimizes the greenhouse effect. They also ensure a pleasant and conducive environment on the plantation. They also prevent the stress that the plants could get from the effect of global warming. Planting these trees in combination with the application of micro-organisms also ensures the preservation of biodiversity, which is reflected in the many different birds and other animals on the plantation.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
A nice working spirit
Tito works according to the Costa Rican law and provides his employees with social security, holidays, Christmas bonuses and compensation according to what has been achieved. He creates a conducive working atmosphere so that the employees really feel that they are part of his organization, so that the tasks are also performed better. There are five permanent employees who help throughout the year with maintenance of the plantation, the harvest and the processing thereof. Sometimes extra employees are temporarily needed to get all the work done. The five permanent employees come from Costa Rica and at the time of harvest 25 to 35 temporary workers from Panama are assisted.