Emerson Felipe Narváez is a 33-year-old coffee producer from Cumbitara, Nariño, and a second-generation farmer who’s chosen an ambitious and challenging path. In a region where many turn to coca for fast returns, Emerson is proving that coffee—done right—can be both sustainable and transformative.
His farm, Finca El Turpial, sits at 2,200 masl and spans 30 hectares. One hectare is dedicated entirely to SL-28, a Kenyan-born variety, developed by Scott Labs, from the line of the Bourbon variety.
Emerson began with just 3.5 hectares and almost no resources. People told him growing specialty varieties like Geisha, Java, or Sidra in his region was a waste of time, but he saw potential. He moved to the farm alone, did the work by hand, and invested aggressively—once spending 1.5 million pesos for just 1 kg of Geisha seeds. Labor was scarce because coca paid more, so he often worked alone.
Over time, his persistence paid off. Emerson’s coffees shined, placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in different years of the “Mi Nariño” competition. These awards opened doors to the specialty market and gave him the confidence to purchase a second, even higher-elevation farm—this one without road access or electricity. It was another major risk, but Emerson isn’t afraid of difficult paths.
Today, Finca El Turpial stands as an example of what dedication and vision can achieve. Emerson’s work with exotic varieties is not only about exceptional coffee—it’s about reclaiming land, strengthening his community, and proving that honesty and quality can thrive where many believed it was impossible.
