Plots with 16+ species showed triple the soil carbon storage, built topsoil 2.7x faster, supported 45% more pollinators, and were 50% more drought resistant than monocultures. But the numbers only tell half the story.

This former conventional coffee farm was completely reliant on ever-increasing applications of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and an aggressive rotation of fungicides just to break even in a good year.  After a comprehensive and holistic transition, it has become one of the best examples of regenerative agriculture in the context of coffee—not to mention its breathtaking beauty. Here are a few highlights: –Synthetic NPK was phased out completely, with no drop in yield and a dramatic increase in quality. –Fungicides have been replaced with biological controls and nutrition to manage coffee leaf rust, which now has an incidence rate below 1% across the farm. Previously, it was as high as 40% annually while using more than five types of chemical fungicides. –The soil is now covered with a diverse perennial cover that enriches the soil microbiome, retains more water, increases nutrient cycling, and eliminates the need for herbicides. –The farm now produces prized hardwoods, unique spices, cacao, and a variety of fruits, along with its award-winning coffee. This has garnered support from long-term buyers and roasters who recognize the farm's immense value to the coffee world.