How Coffee is Farmed: Small Farms vs. Big Plantations

How Coffee is Farmed: Small Farms vs. Big Plantations

Coffee is grown all over the world, from the highlands of Ethiopia to the vast plantations of Brazil. But not all coffee farms are the same. Some are small, family-run farms, while others are massive industrial plantations. The difference between the two isn’t just about size—it affects everything from the quality of the coffee to the way farmers are treated.

Small Farms: Where Quality and Care Matter

Most specialty coffee comes from small farms, often just a few hectares in size. These farms are usually family-owned and passed down through generations. Farmers here take great care in growing, harvesting, and processing their coffee, often using traditional methods.

Why is coffee from small farms better?
✅ Hand-picked cherries: Farmers carefully select only the ripest cherries, ensuring the best flavours.
✅ Sustainable practices: Many small farms use organic methods, shade-grown trees, and avoid harmful chemicals.
✅ Direct trade relationships: Small farmers often sell their beans to specialty roasters at fair prices, supporting their communities.
✅ Unique flavours: Because small farms focus on quality rather than mass production, their coffee tends to have more distinct and complex flavours.

Big Coffee Plantations: Mass Production Over Quality

Large coffee plantations can stretch over hundreds or even thousands of hectares. These farms focus on high yields and efficiency rather than quality. Coffee cherries are often harvested by machines, which don’t distinguish between ripe and unripe beans.

What’s the downside of mass-produced coffee?
❌ Lower quality: Since unripe or overripe cherries get mixed in, the coffee often tastes flat or bitter.
❌ Harmful to the environment: Large plantations rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which damage the soil and water.
❌ Exploitation of workers: Many large-scale farms pay workers low wages and offer poor working conditions.
❌ Less diversity: Industrial farming removes biodiversity, making coffee plants more vulnerable to disease.

Why You Should Choose Coffee from Small Farms

When you buy coffee from small farms, you’re not just getting a better cup—you’re supporting ethical farming, fair wages, and sustainable agriculture. These farms preserve the art of coffee-growing and protect the environment for future generations.

At Bold Coffee, we believe in sourcing from passionate small-scale farmers who put care into every bean. The result? A cup that’s bold, flavourful, and truly special. ☕💛