Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Al Sterling on March 7, 2009 at 5:34pm

Your post was quite awhile ago, so I wonder what happened? If you never did get responses, or are still considering this without the benefit of feedback........ here are my thoughts.

Chasse, there are a few Brasilians on this forum that are in the Brasilian coffee industry at the corporate level, and then some who are either members of a family-owned property or very close to the local business of the farm. I'd be willing to chat with you and share some notes and names. But I wonder if you've got the financial side worked out? From what I know, most income at the farm level is different than here in the States. Only at the corporate level, or maybe working at a cooperative, would you be on a straight salary.

I can tell you that if I were in a position to work on a farm in, say, Sul de Minas, and live and work in and around a fazenda in or near Carmo de Minas........ I'd probably do it for little or nothing; as long as I had food, lodging and some pocket change. But that's a life for someone who's single and free. It's a choice, but as I see it, a pretty good one if you can do it. You're welcome to contact me via PM.

Permalink Reply by Flavia Celidonio Pogliani on October 9, 2009 at 3:03am

Hi Chasse,

I think I can help you, but are you sure about that? I agree with Al on everything and, besides, it can be a bit dangerous and you may work under extremely unhealthy conditions...

Why don't you try Australia first? (Yes, they do grow some coffee over there!) I worked as a woofer ( http://wwoof.com.au/ ) in two coffee farms near to Byron Bay, a beautiful area on the east coast. I didn't get paid, because I was on a WWOOF program, but I got to know lovely people, stayed in very comfortable acommodations, had a great time and learned loads about coffee, believe me. Some farms grow, roast and sell their own coffee at local markets. You might also get to work at these markets, as I did, as barista (and, again, having a great time and learning heaps).

Try to contact Joy and Joan ( http://www.wombahcoffee.com.au/real%20deal.swf ) over there. They are lovely people, extremely helpful with whoever is willing to learn about coffee, two real coffee authorities in Australia. They can help you out to find a perfect farm or maybe even welcome you to work for them. When I was there they used to organize monthly cupping sessions... Chasse, I only have great things to talk about them and the whole experience in Australia. If I was on your shoes I'd first consider working in a developed country (and it's a Brazilian, whose grandfather used to have a coffee farm, who is telling you that). And then coming to Brazil just to visit coffee farms, businesses and profissionals in this work field. I can help you on that as well.

Think about it and let me know.

Cheers!

Flavia

Permalink Reply by Flavia Celidonio Pogliani on October 9, 2009 at 3:17am

Hi again,

Chasse, I just realized you are a girl. Look, trust me, no coffee grower here in Brazil in his/her perfect state of mind would hire a woman to work on the fields, unless you're already a rural worker AND look alike (and was born in Brazil...). They wouldn't hire me. I wouldn't hire either you or me!! Rural workers here are mostly men and they can be very ignorant, sexist and havy drinkers sometimes.

Chasse, go to Australia, you'll be happy and safe over there! :-)

Cheers,

Flavia

Permalink Reply by Chasse on December 4, 2009 at 3:03pm

Hi all, thank you both for your help. I was able to arrange 3 weeks of "work" on a farm near Mimoso do Sul through a sister in law's family (coffee farmers) and with some help from other professionals in the industry. I had spent 4 years previously in Guatemala and had some inkling as to the difficulties I was facing, but it turned out to be a very positive experience that I endeavor to try again in the future, hopefully a bit more extensively.