1979. Coffee farming in Serra dos Ciganos was a different world. Back then, it was all about quantity, not quality. Chemical overuse reigned supreme, leaving the land parched and future generations with an uncertain legacy. João Hamilton remembers it well:"No matter how much we poured on, the land just wouldn't yield. We were poisoning the mountainsides."

Then, in 2004, something shifted. Enter Marcos and Felipe from FAF, carrying a message of hope: "Agriculture of Life." Together, they embarked on a transformative journey. João describes it as"learning to nourish the soil, cradle the water, and whisper gratitude to the land."Spring waters were rejuvenated, trees embraced the hills, and coffee plots danced with diverse varietals. Selective harvests, sun-kissed drying beds, and meticulous processing blossomed into exceptional coffee, each cup a testament to their shared dream: sustainability in the mountain heart.

This "Life Agriculture" wasn't just for the beans. It bloomed into a community spirit that pulsed through Serra dos Ciganos. Today, João's farm is a vibrant hub, the Serra do Cigano Washing Station, where around 40 like-minded producers gather, sharing knowledge, laughter, and the sweet aroma of a future nurtured with care.

FAFCoffees and João Hamilton stand proudly on this shared path, their partnership a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering belief. But the journey doesn't end here. New projects shimmer on the horizon, each a whispered promise of a future where every cup of coffee whispers a silent tale of mountains restored, communities thriving, and a legacy born from the seeds of "Life Agriculture."