The Rioja family runs a 2-hectare coffee farm called El Perlamayo, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. At this elevation, the effects of climate change and fluctuating temperatures are becoming more apparent. Droughts are happening more frequently, posing a risk to coffee production.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, the Riojas have installed shade trees throughout the farm to help regulate temperatures. They have also focused on effective irrigation and soil health by building proper drainage and regularly distributing organic fertilizers.

The harvest runs from June through October each year. After picking, the coffee cherries are rested before being depulped and then soaked in water for 24 hours. The beans are then washed and moved to raised beds for slow sun drying over approximately 20 days. Once the moisture content reaches ideal levels, the parchment coffee is prepared for storage.

The Riojas bring their dried coffee to the Falcon Coffees Peru warehouse in Jaen city. Here the coffee is cupped and assessed for quality, agreeing on a price based on the cup score and profile. Falcon pays quality premiums 30% above the local market price as an incentive for farmers to produce specialty-grade microlots. Finally, the green coffee is sent to the Café Selva Norte mill for one last inspection before being bagged for export shipments out of Peru.

By implementing measures to combat climate change, the Rioja family is able to continue producing high quality coffee at their El Perlamayo farm despite the challenges faced at this altitude.