Regenerative organic coffee production is an innovative and sustainable approach to cultivating coffee that goes beyond traditional organic farming methods. This holistic farming practice aims to restore and enhance the health of the soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems while producing high-quality coffee. In regenerative organic coffee production, farmers prioritize regenerating soil health through practices like cover cropping, composting, and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. By employing these methods, the soil becomes more resilient, retains water better, and sequesters carbon, contributing to mitigating climate change. Additionally, regenerative organic coffee production emphasizes biodiversity conservation, promoting the planting of shade trees, fostering habitat for beneficial insects and birds, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This approach not only helps protect the environment but also enhances the flavors and complexities of the coffee, resulting in a more enjoyable and sustainable coffee-drinking experience.
At Fazenda Três Meninas, Marcelo is a regenerative organic producer that highly emphasizes a microclimate that heavily relies on insect capturing plants that are also highly nutritional for the surrounding soils. Essentially, Marcelo plants a variety of plants and flowers that attracts pests, such as Bicho Mineiro, that would otherwise target his coffee trees and pull any necessary nutrients from the coffee tree. For example, a common pest that is harmful to coffee trees in the Cerrado Mineiro region is the Bicho Mineiro larvi. This type of larvi infests the coffee tree’s leaves and eats away at its nutrients causing weak and brittle tree plants.