In the central West of Colombia, stretching across the eastern slopes of the Andes is the department of Tolima. The Magdalena River basin etches through this region, creating a truly magnificent array of elevations and excellent climates. Tolima is the third-largest coffee producing area in Colombia, perhaps thanks to the ideal temperatures and nutrient-rich soils. In the town of Cajamarca, Neftali Castro grows coffee on his 3-hectare farm called El Diamante. He is a community leader here, assisting with keeping the beautiful land out of the hands of mining companies. Neftali and other community members fought hard to keep the land solely dedicated to agriculture rather than resource extraction, and they succeeded. Agriculture is better for both the people and the environment in comparison to mining, according to Neftali. Neftali is also a respected producer in this town, with exceptional knowledge on cultivating and processing exceptional coffee. He is constantly experimenting and searching for new ways to improve the quality of his coffee. After he handpicks his coffee, Neftali de-pulps the cherries and carefully washes the beans. They then undergo a mixed fermentation for two days before being dried on raised beds in the open sun.