Before relating the history of Coopedota, R.L., we will briefly describe the geographic area, so as to introduce the zona de los Santos. The birthplace of the coffee grower’s cooperative, Santa Maria, the head of the Dota County, is one of the most extensive counties in the country. The majority of the territory in Santa Maria is inadequate for agriculture and cattle ranches due to the immense mountains in the region.

At the end of the last century, the first pioneers in the zone marveled at the beautiful valleys in the area. They first settled in San Marcos, and soon after they followed Parrita River, which lead them to discover a valley surrounded by high mountains, soon to be Santa Maria. The moderate climate was excellent for health, and soon word spread of the natural beauty of Santa Maria de Dota, thus attracting many people, that today despite the onslaught of modernity, still maintains its customs that are passed on from generation to generation. 

Historical Summary

The situation of the coffee grower in the zona de los Santos was not in good condition for many years. The prices oscillated frequently and international sales were very uncertain. Moreover, the producers lacked in technical training, making it so average production on one acre of land did not exceed 5 or 6 fanegas.
The National Bank of Costa Rica, pioneer in the field of rural Agricultural Credit associations, had a department focused on the promotion and development of cooperatives. Santa Maria already had a coffee production plant as well as a group of persistent coffee farmers. With economic support and advising from the bank, the group decided to form a cooperative. On October 14, 1960, ninety-six associate founders contributing an initial capital of 116,000.00 colones came together to form the most successful cooperative in the region, Coopedota.  
Today, Coopedota is a modern coffee production plant, improving the welfare of the 3,500 families in the area. Since its founding date, the size of the cultivation area has substantially increased. For example, during the first year of operation, the cooperative produced only 3,974 fanegas of coffee.

Coopedota R.L. Today

Since 1960, Coopedota has modernized its production processes and increased its membership. Such improvements have increased the quantity of coffee produced year after year. In the last three years, Coopedota has produced, on average, the respectable quantity of 48,000 fanegas.

The actual extension of land dedicated to coffee production has considerably improved since 1960. With Coopedota’s support, farmers in the area produce, on average 30 fanegas per acre. Some are able to produce an astonishing 45 fanegas per acre.

Turning in unripe coffee beans is one of the greatest problems that producers face today. That is to say, many times when coffee beans are harvested, many of the green, unripe beans are mixed with the red, ripe beans. Moreover, it is not rare to find leaves, small branches, or other solids that make the quality of the coffee inadequate.

During executive meetings, Coopedota discusses various ways to improve the quality of their harvested coffee.  For example, Coopedota only pays producers that turn on coffee beans that are optimally ripe. Also, we have a certification process to insure that the beans meet certain standards of quality. We are proud that our meticulous attention to detail won us first prize in the international coffee competition, Specialty Coffee that takes place in Miami U.S.A. every year.

Many traditional agricultural zones dedicated to coffee production also produce various other crops. But, in Santa Maria, we are 100% dedicated to producing only coffee. Since the birth of Santa Maria, over 100 years ago, the people began to plant coffee, and over the years we have perfected the art of planting, harvesting, and roasting the “grano de oro” (coffee bean of gold). Our coffee is known internationally as one of the best coffees in the world, and, to those who have tried our coffee, the best in the world.