SUSTAINABILITY
At Hacienda La Esmeralda, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s part of our identity. Our commitment to the environment goes hand in hand with producing some of the world’s finest coffee. We blend innovative solutions with respect for nature, creating practices that sustain not only our business but the rich ecosystem of Panama.
As both coffee and dairy producers, we have a unique perspective on resource recycling, especially in managing water used in coffee fermentation. Our approach is simple yet effective: we incorporate this water into rotational grazing fields for our dairy cattle, where plants digest and detoxify it naturally. This method promotes soil health and reduces the environmental impact of fermentation water disposal. To ensure minimal waste, we also recycle our fermentation water 2–3 times before safe disposal, further lowering our water usage. Additionally, the byproducts from coffee dry milling, including husk and parchment, are composted, and returned to our fields, enriching the soil, and reducing the need for external fertilizers.
Our coffee processing demands substantial energy, and we take responsibility for sourcing this energy sustainably. To meet our energy needs while respecting the environment, we have invested in three hydroelectric plants that work with water diversion systems, which carefully maintain river flow and protect the surrounding wildlife. This ensures that our energy use aligns with our commitment to conservation. This minimizes our carbon footprint, making our coffee production process as eco-friendly as possible.
THE LAND
We are dedicated to protecting the health of our soil, plants, and surrounding ecosystem. In keeping with this commitment, we do not use insecticides or herbicides, choosing instead to manage invasive species through manual removal. This approach promotes the emergence of natural pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which thrive during coffee flowering season. We apply fungicides selectively and only after harvest and bird mating season, minimizing potential disruption to wildlife. In select areas, we also test organic fungicides to assess their effects on both the coffee and the land, with the long-term goal of transitioning to fully organic practices. Our choice of shade trees is equally intentional; we plant native fruiting trees that offer a habitat for exotic bird species, creating a vibrant and biodiverse environment within our coffee farms.
Each of our farms has extensive land reserved solely for conservation, preserving Panama’s rich natural heritage. Our Cañas Verdes farm, for example, devotes 240 hectares to natural wildlife habitats, while 50 hectares are cultivated with coffee. At Jaramillo, our most accessible farm, 68 hectares are dedicated to preservation alongside 60 hectares of coffee cultivation. El Velo, our most remote farm, has 157 hectares reserved for conservation and 40 hectares for coffee. These reserves provide crucial sanctuary for native species and reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit not only our coffee legacy but the vibrant ecosystems that support it.
THE PEOPLE
At Hacienda La Esmeralda, the wellbeing of our employees is central to our mission. We support every member of our team—from seasonal harvesters to full-time staff—with a range of benefits that show our dedication to their quality of life. For our permanent staff, we offer competitive wages, generous vacation time, and scholarships for their children from primary school through university. To recognize loyalty, we provide monetary incentives for long-term employees, reinforcing our commitment to their growth and stability within our team.
Our seasonal harvesters also receive exceptional support. We provide wages well above the regional average, along with an end-of-harvest payment to help them sustain their families until the next season. During the harvest, we go beyond standard practices by offering housing, nutritious meals, and childcare to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of entire families. Additionally, we offer financial assistance for medical expenses based on individual needs, helping to ensure that our staff and their families are healthy and secure.
The Patricia Price Peterson Foundation
Established in 1964 by our founder Rudolph A. Peterson in honor of his late wife Patricia, the Patricia Price Peterson Foundation (PPPF) embodies our commitment to social welfare across Central America. The foundation funds educational and developmental programs, especially for marginalized communities, helping to uplift lives and create lasting opportunities.
The PPPF provides scholarships for local students, covering everything from primary school to university. For higher education, we partner with institutions like the University of Zamorano and INCAE Business School, supporting scholarships and grants for students focused on agribusiness and environmental sustainability. Through these initiatives, the foundation nurtures a new generation of leaders equipped to drive positive change in our communities and beyond. Additionally, the PPPF is the driving force behind the Boquete Library Foundation.
THE BOQUETE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Created with funds from the Patricia Price Peterson Foundation, the Boquete Library Foundation (Fundacion Biblioteca de Boquete) promotes local community welfare through education, art, and cultural preservation. The foundation established the Boquete Library, a vibrant space where community members of all ages can learn, explore, and connect.
The Boquete Library Foundation also created the Boquete Library Foundation Park (Parque Fundacion Biblioteca de Boquete), an open green space designed to promote environmental awareness and physical activity. Free to the public, this park offers families and individuals a place to enjoy nature and unwind, enhancing both community wellbeing and environmental appreciation.
Through these commitments, Hacienda La Esmeralda is proud to invest in the wellbeing, education, and enrichment of our local and extended communities, honoring the legacy of Patricia Price Peterson and creating a meaningful impact for generations to come.
