Women in Coffee: A Conversation with Amalia Torres
When people picture coffee production, they often imagine sprawling estates with high-tech mills and polished machinery. But the truth is, around 70% of the world’s coffee is grown by smallholder farmers — those managing just a few hectares of land, often alongside other crops. And while women make up the majority of the labor force on coffee farms — planting, harvesting, sorting, processing — they continue to be vastly underrepresented when it comes to land ownership. In many coffee-producing regions, estimates suggest only 5–20% of farms are owned or titled to women.
At Cafe Nova, we believe in telling the full story behind every cup — including the powerful role women play throughout the supply chain. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting a farm nestled in the hills of Chachagüí, Colombia, where we met Amalia Torres, a smallholder farmer with just under three hectares of land and a presence that left a lasting impression.
Rooted in the Land
Amalia’s farm, El Sendero, produces coffee alongside avocados and citrus — a biodiverse approach that benefits both the soil and the final product. The farm’s high elevation and cool mountain climate mean the coffee cherries ripen slowly, developing deeper sweetness and complexity.
Her passion and patience haven’t gone unnoticed: Amalia’s coffee has been recognized multiple times for its quality, including top honors at Colombia’s Cup of Excellence in both 2004 and 2008. The bright nectarine acidity and layered sweetness of her espresso continues to inspire us with every cup.
“Everything starts with the earth,” she told us. “You have to feel it. Listen to it. There’s a conversation happening there if you’re willing to tune in.”
“There’s a whole world behind the coffee.”
We asked Amalia what her decades in coffee have taught her. Her response was layered — just like her coffee.
“I’ve been farming for over 35 years now. When I started, I knew nothing. But the land teaches you, if you let it. The coffee becomes more than a crop — it becomes a reflection of everything: your effort, your community, your beliefs.
I’ve had to fight for my space, especially as a woman. There’s a lot of resistance in this industry — people doubting your ability, questioning your strength. I’ve never wanted to separate myself from men; we’re equal. But sometimes when a woman shows fatigue, she’s criticized. Men feel it too — they just hide it differently.
The Connection in the Cup
For Amalia, coffee is more than livelihood — it’s a conversation between grower and drinker.
“When someone takes a sip of my coffee, they’re tasting everything I’ve built — the care, the time, the love. It’s an exchange. You bring your own experience to the cup, and I bring mine. That’s why it matters so much to me.”
Her perspective is both humble and profound. Despite the global challenges of pricing, speculation, and inequality, she’s focused on impact: planting the final rows of her farm, feeding her community, and creating long-term livelihoods for her team.
“There are people who only care about profit. That’s their mindset. But I believe we all want to feel seen — to feel that what we create matters. Coffee is my way of doing that.”
More Than Just a Visit
At Cafe Nova, we’ve had the chance to visit many farms over the years — but this experience stood out. Amalia’s strength, clarity, and humility stayed with us long after we left her mountainside fields. Her story is a reminder that behind every cup is not just a farm or a flavor, but a life lived with intention.
Gender inequality is still deeply entrenched across industries — and coffee is no exception. But change begins with awareness, connection, and recognition. That’s why Cafe Nova is committed to supporting equitable partnerships throughout the supply chain, from farm to cup.
By spotlighting producers like Amalia, we hope to help close the visibility gap for women in coffee. Direct relationships allow us to source outstanding coffees — and ensure that the people behind them are seen, valued, and supported. Every cup you enjoy is part of that connection.
