La Hammonia sets the standard for sustainable coffee production and worker wellbeing.

One of Commonfolk’s valued collaborations is with Eddy and Mausi Kuhl and their sustainable coffee farm La Hammonia, situated in the highlands of Nicaragua's Matagalpa region.

Established in 1975 by Mausi and her husband Eddy, La Hammonia reflects their dedication and ingenuity. Descendants of German immigrants who first planted coffee in Nicaragua in the late 1800s, Eddy and Mausi have developed La Hammonia into a model of sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices. The farm operates on a self-sustaining model, producing its own energy, food, water, and fertiliser. It is divided into three zones: virgin forest, shade coffee forest, and rotational pastures for cattle and organic farming. This land management supports biodiversity and environmental health, which are central to La Hammonia's philosophy. Visiting La Hammonia reveals a blend of nature and innovation, with German heritage evident in the farm’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices.

Our relationship with La Hammonia began in 2017 when our team visited the farm for the first time. We were immediately struck by the farm's dedication to sustainability and the warmth of the Kuhl family. During that visit, we explored the lush landscapes, learned about their innovative farming practices, and witnessed firsthand the incredible care taken at every step of their coffee production. This initial visit laid the foundation for an ongoing partnership built on great coffee and a shared vision for sustainable coffee farming. We currently source all our decaf coffee from La Hammonia. The decaf produced here is exceptional, maintaining the rich flavours and nuances of regular coffee without the buzz. 

La Hammonia is more than a coffee farm; it’s a thriving community supporting over 600 people, including workers and their families. The farm offers a holistic living environment with housing, a full-time nurse-staffed clinic, schooling up to the sixth grade, and scholarships for further education. Additionally, the estate hosts libraries, baseball teams, and special celebrations, fostering a vibrant and happy community. Eddy and Mausi’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond the farm, actively engaging with local cultural heritage to preserve the stories and traditions of the Matagalpa region, ensuring the cultural roots of the community are honoured and remembered.

Environmental stewardship is at the heart of La Hammonia’s operations. The farm’s innovative waste management system transforms nutrient-rich wastewater from coffee production into methane gas, powering the farm. Discarded coffee cherries are composted to enrich the soil, and an on-site lab creates organic fertilisers and pesticides from natural minerals and plants. The farm’s hydropower plant, solar-heated water systems, and intensive organic cattle ranching exemplify their commitment to minimising environmental impact. La Hammonia produces less CO2 than an average American household and generates only about one 55-gallon barrel of waste per week, showcasing their dedication to sustainability.