Bolivian Coffee: The rebirth of a specialty coffee powerhouse

For decades, Bolivia’s coffee industry faced a steady decline. Once supported by international aid and NGOs, the infrastructure for coffee production collapsed as funding disappeared, government policies shifted, and farmers abandoned coffee for more lucrative or sustainable alternatives. However, thanks to dedicated pioneers like Daniela Rodriguez and the Rodriguez family, Bolivian coffee is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Their company, Agricafe, and its flagship farms under the Los Rodriguez name, are leading the way in revitalizing coffee production in Bolivia through innovation, education, and sustainability.

The fall and rise of Bolivian coffee

In the early 2000s, Bolivia had a thriving coffee industry, with over 100,000 bags of coffee exported annually. However, when international aid programs that supported specialty coffee withdrew, the country saw a dramatic decline. By the mid-2010s, exports plummeted to just 5,000 bags. Farmers, unable to sustain their families on low yields and inefficient farming practices, abandoned coffee in favor of coca production or gold mining, both of which offered more immediate financial stability.

The Rodriguez family, witnessing this decline firsthand, knew they had to act. With over 30 years of experience in coffee processing but not farming, they took the bold step of acquiring land and establishing Finca Los Rodriguez. Their goal was not just to grow coffee but to prove that a sustainable, high-yield, high-quality coffee model could work in Bolivia.

A new model for sustainable coffee farming

The Rodriguez family didn’t just start farming; they revolutionized it. Instead of following traditional Bolivian coffee-growing methods, they studied best practices from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama, merging high-yield techniques with specialty coffee quality. They introduced structured farming techniques, including proper pruning, soil nutrition, organized varietal separation, and modern shade management.

One of their biggest innovations was their Sol de la Mañana program, designed to educate and support smallholder farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices. Through this program, producers learn nursery management, land preparation, proper harvesting techniques, and financial planning to ensure long-term success.

The results have been astounding: farms that once yielded only 5-8 bags per hectare are now producing 25-35 bags. Not only has this improved the livelihoods of farmers, but it has also placed Bolivian coffee back on the international stage.

Innovation in processing and fermentation

The Rodriguez family is also pushing the boundaries of coffee processing. They utilize fermentation techniques inspired by the wine industry, isolating native yeast strains to enhance specific flavor profiles. This scientific approach allows them to create unique and complex coffees that stand out in competitions and auctions worldwide.

Their processing innovations include precise control over anaerobic fermentation, natural and honey processing, and extended fermentation techniques tailored to each coffee variety. This level of detail ensures that every coffee they produce meets the highest specialty coffee standards.

The future of Bolivian coffee

With a renewed focus on quality, education, and sustainability, Bolivia’s coffee industry is on the rise once again. The Rodriguez family’s efforts have not only improved yields but also restored pride among Bolivian coffee farmers. Their commitment to excellence has earned them international recognition, and their coffees are now sought after in specialty coffee competitions and auctions worldwide.

Finca Los Rodriguez will be featured at the Dubai Coffee Auction live at WOC Dubai on February 10-11th and also in the online global auction on March 13th, offering buyers a chance to experience the best of Bolivian coffee. As the world takes notice, Bolivia is poised to reclaim its place as a top-tier coffee-producing country, thanks to visionaries like Daniela Rodriguez and her family.

The Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC

Join us for a live event taking place at the World of Coffee Dubai on February 11th and the Global Online Auction event happening on March 13th. Curated by M-Cultivo, this first-of-its-kind event will showcase the world’s top producers.

Join Daniela Rodriguez in the The Cupping Table - Podcast by M-Cultivo

Bolivia’s coffee industry was once in decline, but thanks to pioneers like Daniela Rodriguez and the Los Rodriguez farms, it’s experiencing a remarkable revival. In this episode of The Cupping Table, we explore how the Rodriguez family is transforming Bolivian coffee through innovation, education, and sustainability. From rebuilding farms to pioneering new processing techniques, their work is redefining Bolivia’s place in the specialty coffee world.