Tolima
With each sip of Tolima coffee, you savor the pride and tradition of the land of the department of Tolima. This corner of the country has established itself as a fundamental pillar in the national coffee industry, standing out as the third coffee producer in Colombia. This highlights the commitment and passion of Tolima producers, who have dedicated generations to the cultivation of this emblematic grain.
Located in the heart of the coffee region of Colombia, Tolima benefits from exceptional geographical and climatic conditions that favor the cultivation of coffee. Its mountainous and fertile lands, combined with optimal altitude and a moderate tropical climate, provide the ideal environment for the development of the most valued coffee varieties.
Until 2020, Tolima experienced regular climatic cycles with defined summer and winter seasons, facilitating concentrated flowering and a harvest in the first semester. However, starting in 2020, climatic variability began with constant rains that lasted for almost three years until the end of September 2023. This caused continuous production of flowers and fruits on the trees, contributing to favorable prices from mid-2020.
This will be the Coffee School in Tolima
A significant step for the future of Tolima coffee growing is the creation of the Regional Coffee School in the La Trina neighborhood of the municipality of Lebanon. This project, led by Governor Adriana Magali Matiz in collaboration with the National Federation of Coffee Growers – Tolima Committee and the University of Tolima, receives an initial investment of four billion pesos for its implementation.
This school will not only focus on technical aspects of coffee cultivation and processing, but will also offer training in commercial topics, roasting, physical and sensory analysis, and beverage preparation. This knowledge is especially relevant for young people, both children and non-children of coffee farmers, who see this program as an opportunity to develop their life projects.
This initiative represents a commitment to the future of coffee in Tolima by promoting innovation and quality throughout the production chain. The Regional Coffee School will become a center of excellence that will inspire new generations of coffee growers and contribute to the sustainable development of the coffee sector in the region.
What is the coffee production of Tolima?
Tolimense coffee, which contributes more than 12% of the country’s total production, goes beyond the cultivated area and the number of families involved; It stands out especially for the exceptional quality of its coffee. With 38 coffee-growing municipalities, Tolima has approximately 107,000 hectares of coffee and more than 63,900 families dedicated to this activity, generating more than 77,000 direct jobs and around 170,000 indirect jobs in activities such as marketing and associated services.
Likewise, it contributes nearly one billion Colombian pesos to the department’s economy each year, boosting the local economy and promoting peace and development. This sector is a fundamental pillar for the well-being of the region, driving the economic and social growth of Tolima and contributing to the continued success of the coffee industry in Colombia.
Currently, the youth who work in the coffee plantations of Tolima have new tools and strategies thanks to initiatives such as the renewal of coffee during harvesting, approved in the last Coffee Congress. Although the coffee grower’s investment in this process is not as significant as planting a new plant, it is essential to maintain and improve production.
How is the production of specialty coffees?
Furthermore, in Tolima the production of high-quality exotic coffees and participation in contests have been promoted to highlight the excellence of Tolima coffee. Previously, southern Tolima was known for guerrilla warfare and public order challenges, not for coffee. However, today, Tolima has gained international recognition with three Cups of Excellence (2006, 2015 and 2023) and several awards in national and international competitions.
Tolima’s positioning in the coffee industry is based on the consistency and sustainability of its production. The Tolima Coffee Growers Committee has not only promoted its coffee plantations towards leadership in competitions for their attributes and exceptional quality, but has also contributed to the social and economic development of the region. For example, it has participated in road projects such as “Vías para La Paz”, on key roads in the region, which has generated favorable conditions for the development and consolidation of peace in the territory.
In fact, the Committee has led efforts in other areas of social and economic development. Their commitment to the positioning of Tolima coffee has turned the coffee growers of Tolima into a representative symbol of work and dedication in the Colombian coffee industry.
Listen to the full interview with Gildardo Monroy, executive director of the Tolima Coffee Growers Committee.
