Serving People Serving Coffee Since 2005
Issue link: http://baristamagazine.epubxp.com/i/609699
baristas from Argentina, Russia, Colombia, Guatemala, France, Italy, Australia, and Thailand," Rebecca explains. "As you can see, it's a super mix of cultures, but no matter of this, the connection between them was immediate, just right after they all arrived in the hotel. I remember in the first dinner, all of them looked like they knew each other from before. The energy was great. The friendships they created, the pas- sion of all of them, their respect to the farming families, the barista house, the lands, the coffee trees, the history in each place—they were very respectful, and they showed lots of value for the people." Like her work on the farm, Rebecca finds the challenges of Barista & Farmer worth the effort. "Every time a barista touches a coffee tree, something changes in the way they see the coffee," she says. "Like this, they have a complete vision, they grow their knowledge and their experience." Ultimately, Rebecca thoroughly loves her work in coffee, and her pride and passion for her family and their effort is obvious, and shows in the cup. "The most gratifying moment for me is when I'm participat- ing in a specialty-coffee event to promote our coffee, and I can serve an espresso to someone, then explain to them who I am and say to them very proudly this coffee was produced by my dad," she says. "I can't explain the honor, the satisfaction, and the happiness, when I see the reactions of the people, and when they say to me, 'I want this cof- fee in my shop.' It means all the sacrifices were worth it." Rebecca Atienza is the president of the Barista & Farmer organization, which is a program started in 2013 by repeat Italian Barista Champion Francesco Sanapo and the Atienzas. After winning the Italian Barista Championship using coffee from Hacienda San Pedro, Francesco visited the Atienzas in Puerto Rico to see the operation in person, and was so inspired by the experience that he suggested to Rebecca that they work together to create an event wherein baristas could visit a working coffee farm. Barista & Farmer was born. The first event brought a group of Italian baristas to Hacienda San Pedro for an immersive week of life on a coffee farm. So successful and profound was the experience for the baristas, that Francesco and Rebecca were moved to continue the Barista & Farmer program. The second event took place in 2015 in Honduras, and was opened to baristas from around the world. In 2016, Barista & Farmer will take place in Brazil with yet another group of international baristas. For more information about Barista & Farmer, and to see videos from past events, go to www.baristafarmer.com. Apply at www.coffeefest.com Javits Center March 11-13, 2016 1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1,000; 3rd: $500 Application Deadline is January 31, 2016 to compete in NEW YORK 57 www.baristamagazine.com