Guatemala Pena Roja

Peña Roja Cooperativa Agrícola Integral Peña Roja began with just 22 members and has since grown to include 81 coffee producers. Based in the Huehuetenango department of Guatemala, its farmers cultivate coffee across sweeping valleys at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 1,900 metres above sea level. The cooperative works with FEDECOCAGUA, a national federation of coffee cooperatives, to market and sell its coffee internationally. This partnership provides access to investment, agronomist support and essential services, while helping producers strengthen traceability, improve quality and share knowledge on subjects such as crop disease management and sustainable farming practices. Peña Roja’s story is one of resilience and ambition. The cooperative’s manager, Anacelto Martinez, and his son Mynor, its head agronomist, have guided its development through challenging terrain and increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions. Labour shortages have become a significant issue throughout the region. Migration has reduced the available workforce, with many men travelling to the United States to send money home to their families. As a result, women are increasingly responsible for managing and maintaining the farms. Membership of FEDECOCAGUA has opened the door to training, improved infrastructure and practical support for producers who need it most. These resources have helped Peña Roja establish a place in international coffee markets while preserving the distinctive identity and character of its coffee. The cooperative’s contribution also extends beyond farming. It provides a free nursery for children under the age of eight, offering valuable support to families within the local community. From its beginnings as a group of 22 farmers to a network of 81 smallholders, Peña Roja demonstrates the collective strength of Huehuetenango’s coffee-growing communities. By combining tradition with new knowledge and technical support, the cooperative is helping to sustain livelihoods in one of Guatemala’s most diverse and celebrated coffee regions.