Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Family Farmers Achieve Record Score in State Competition and Transform Barra do Turvo into a Reference for High-Quality Coffee
For decades, coffee produced in the interior of São Paulo has gained traction in the national market. However, in 2025, a simple story changed this scenario. In this context, in Barra do Turvo, in the Ribeira Valley, a couple of family farmers achieved an unprecedented feat. As a result, the municipality began to be recognized among the main names of high-quality coffee in São Paulo.
This information was disclosed by Agência SP, according to a publication from the Secretary of Agriculture and Supply. According to the agency, the historic achievement took place during the 24th State Quality Coffee Competition of São Paulo. Thus, the result put the city in the spotlight of the coffee sector.
Historic Note Elevates Barra do Turvo Coffee to a New Level
The protagonists of this achievement are Ozico Pereira, 72 years old, and Pedrina Pereira, 70. In addition, the couple has been together for over 50 years. In this scenario, the producers achieved the highest score ever recorded in the competition: 91.10 points, in the hulled cherry category.
-
The sugar-energy sector advances with agricultural technology, but agricultural productivity still raises concerns.
-
The eggshell that almost everyone throws away is made up of about 95% calcium carbonate and can help enrich the soil when crushed, slowly releasing nutrients and being reused in home gardens and vegetable patches.
-
This farm in the United States does not use sunlight, does not use soil, and produces 500 times more food per square meter than traditional agriculture: the secret lies in 42,000 LEDs, hydroponics, and a system that recycles even the heat from the lamps.
-
The water that almost everyone throws away after cooking potatoes carries nutrients released during the preparation and can be reused to help in the development of plants when used correctly at the base of gardens and pots, at no additional cost and without changing the routine.
To put the achievement into perspective, until then, the highest score had been recorded in 2022, with 90.3 points. In other words, the new result surpassed all previous marks. Therefore, the achievement made history in São Paulo’s coffee culture.
According to agricultural specialist from the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Department (CATI), Rogério Sakai, gourmet coffees usually range between 80 and 85 points. Specialty coffees, on the other hand, score between 85 and 90 points. From this point on, scores above this threshold are classified as extraordinary. Thus, the couple’s coffee reached an unprecedented level in the state.
Simplicity in Management Ensures Extraordinary Coffee
Despite the record score, the production method stands out for its simplicity. According to Pedrina Pereira, who grew up in family farming, basic care was decisive. Instead of complex techniques, daily management made the difference.
According to the producer, the coffee seedlings were planted normally. After that, vegetation control was achieved using a brush cutter. In addition, only two weeding treatments were carried out. At the same time, there was no application of chemical fertilizers. “No fertilizer was needed, nothing was needed,” she explained.
The winning sample was cultivated five years ago in an agroforestry system. In this model, planting took place over an area of 6,000 square meters, with about 4,000 coffee plants. As a result, the system directly contributed to the final quality of the bean.
For Pedrina, the achievement symbolizes overcoming challenges. After years of effort, recognition finally arrived. “Now we are reaping the rewards,” she celebrated.
Recognition Boosts Sales and Strengthens the Municipality
Initially, participation in the competition was experimental. According to Ozico Pereira, the intention was only to understand how the competition worked. However, the result was surprising.
“The award was a surprise,” said Ozico. From this point on, the effects quickly became apparent. With the recognition, the clientele increased. Consequently, coffee sales grew. In addition, the producer highlighted the pride of representing Barra do Turvo at the state level.
For the president of the Coffee and Culture Association of Barra do Turvo, Juliana Cordeiro, success is linked to exclusive dedication. As production is small, the farmers can give full attention to a single variety. Thus, harvesting occurs only at the ideal time. Similarly, drying takes place more carefully. Therefore, the result was extraordinary coffee.
Technical Support Boosts Regional Coffee Production
The record performance also reflects continuous work. Since 2012, CATI has maintained a project in partnership with the City Hall of Barra do Turvo. Over the years, technicians have encouraged the cultivation of Arabica coffee and provided direct support.
According to Rogério Sakai, this partnership has generated consistent results. In addition to previous awards, the project resulted in the highest score in the history of the competition. As a result, the municipality has become a state reference.
State Competition Reinforces São Paulo’s Prominence
The Secretary of Agriculture and Supply has been conducting the competition for over 20 years. In the 2025 edition, the event honored the 50 best coffees from São Paulo. Besides the producers, researchers, cooperatives, and authorities took part.
In this way, the competition reinforced São Paulo’s prominence. At the same time, it highlighted the strength of family farming in the sector.
Story Inspires New Producers
The journey of Ozico and Pedrina Pereira shows that dedication yields results. More than just an award, the achievement has brought recognition to family farming. Additionally, it inspired other producers in the Ribeira Valley.
Finally, this case reinforces the importance of technical support and care for the land. Thus, Barra do Turvo is no longer just a municipality in the interior but has gained prominence on the São Paulo coffee map.
In your opinion, can artisanal care combined with technical support transform small producers into national references in high-quality coffee?
-
-
-
-
-
33 pessoas reagiram a isso.