Brazil Marcio Eugenio

Descending from a coffee-growing family, producer Marcio Eugenio inherited his passion for
the countryside and coffee plantations from his father. As well as being a cattle
farmer, in 2012 he became a coffee grower.

His passion for technology and innovation led him to invest in coffee growing and expand his crops. Today, with 30 hectares of coffee, Marcio Eugenio dedicates his time to producing quality, sustainable coffees.

Marcio mainly grows Red Catuaí and Yellow Catuaí varieties and dries his coffees on a
concrete patio.

This coffee is a part of the Sancoffee Beyond Borders Program. In 2012, with the realization
of the potential for quality coffees among small growers in the region, Sancoffee
decided to create the “Beyond Borders” program. This program aims to add value
and recognition to the grower and generate positive social and environmental
impacts in their communities.

The first coffee plants were reportedly brought in the relatively early 18th century, spreading from the northern state of Pará in 1727 all the way down to Rio de Janerio within 50 years. Brazil is one of the two biggest producers of coffee on yearly basis, together with Columbia.

The region earned its name, meaning literally “watershed fields,” due to its location between two important water basins in Brazil. Because of the fertile soils and the abundance of water, agriculture arrived early in the region following the first settlers who came in search of precious metals. The arabica coffee plant adapted perfectly to this area and production can be traced back to 1860.More recently, the rich coffee tradition of Campo das Vertentes, as well as the unique landscape and microclimate of the region, are being recognized by a geographical indication.

Brazilian Naturals are picked either selectively by hand or strip-picked by hand or mechanically for more commercial quality. They are then typically spread to dry on patios or, in the production of some specialty coffees, dried on raised beds. Drying can take 20–25 days, depending on the weather.

A cross of Yellow Catuai and Mundo Novo made by Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, Brazil; released in 1972.