Rigoberto Cuellar is a 33-year-old man from a coffee-producing family in the municipality of Salado Blanco, Huila. He grew up among the coffee crops, often accompanying his father in planting and carrying out the many tasks required by the land. Thanks to his father’s guidance, Rigo (as he’s known in his town) developed a deep connection with coffee — one that would eventually become his way of life.
At the age of 27, Rigo suffered a devastating loss that changed the course of his life. His father — a hardworking man, respected by the community — was cruelly murdered at the doorstep of their home.
In the aftermath, Rigo fell into a deep depression that lasted six months. He stopped eating, isolated himself, and was consumed by thoughts of revenge. All the while, without him realizing, the most precious legacy left by his father — the family farm — had fallen into total neglect.
One day, amid tears and heartache, something shifted. Despite the pain and unanswered questions, Rigo realized that continuing down this path and abandoning the farm his father had built with love and sacrifice was a mistake.
He found the strength to begin rebuilding. He painted the house, replanted coffee trees, and each day prayed to God for the strength to carry on his father’s work. He remembers staying at the farm until 8 p.m., cleaning and planting. His mother and wife would come looking for him, but he felt at peace knowing his father had once done the same. It made him feel closer to him — proud, even — knowing he was honoring his legacy.
Another powerful motivation was his family. Seeing his wife and children reminded him that they, too, were suffering, and didn’t deserve more pain. Their support and love helped him begin to heal. He started diversifying the farm, planting cassava, arracacha, bananas, and more. Neighbors offered to buy the products, but he hadn’t planted them for profit — he just needed something to occupy his mind, to help him move forward.
Though the pain and the absence of his father still linger, Rigo finds satisfaction in knowing his father left him with the knowledge and values to make the most of the land. He’s also aware that the market is changing — and he’s determined to evolve with it. His commitment to learning is clear: he’s currently taking roasting and tasting courses to improve his production processes.
“I try to share what I learn in class with my children,” Rigo says. “So that from a young age, they understand and appreciate the land that gives us our daily bread.”
Recenzii
Nu există recenzii până acum.