Region: Mantiqueira de Minas, Minas Gerais
Elevation: 1200 masl
About: Rancho São Benedito sits in Brazil’s Mantiqueira de Minas, shaped by the long-standing work of the Junqueira family. Mariana de Carvalho Junqueira inherited the land in the 1950s, continuing a legacy grounded in patience, consistency, and a clear respect for the land. Coffee production here has never been treated as short-term output, but as an ongoing process tied to environmental stability and careful decision-making.
Mariana’s approach centers on maintaining ecological balance. Coffee is planted along contour lines to reduce soil erosion, while biodiversity across the farm is actively preserved. These practices are not recent innovations but part of the farm’s foundation.
Today, her son, Márcio Heleno de Carvalho Junqueira, manages the family farms. His role reflects continuity rather than change, building on established systems while refining efficiency. A centralized processing structure reduces water and energy use, aligning production with long-term sustainability.
The farm’s responsibility extends beyond cultivation. Workers are supported with housing, medical care, and access to education, reinforcing a stable and functional community around the farm.
