Celso David Mayta’s earliest memories are of working with his father in the coffee plantation, and that is why he wanted to follow in his footsteps. He is very proud to have done so and to have become a producer of specialty coffees. This is why he always participates in the competitions. In 2004, he participated in the Cup of Excellence. In 2005, he went to Santa Cruz and won second place. In 2006, he entered his sample in a Fair Trade Compeitition and maintained this ranking. The next year was not as favorable; he dropped to 21st. But he did not let this get him down, and he returned to the competition. “This year I have continued to participate because I can’t get left behind in these events. We’ve gotten much better. Other comrades have improved also. This year I won sixth place. I’m happy that I stayed in the competition. My wife, my family, we’re all happy.”

For Celso, this competition belongs to the producers, and he made the following request: “Caranavi is the coffee capital of Bolivia. This event needs to stay here. I ask that the municipality and the departmental government that they take care, and don’t get left behind. I want them to strengthen this event more and more.”He invested the money from earlier competitions in coffee. He expanded his production, buying a lot in Colonia Fortín Managua. This year he will invest in improving his processing plant and drying process. Organic compost from the discarded coffee pulp, the use of organic barriers, soil protection.