A Model of sustainable organic agriculture
Founded in 1850, Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza (FAF) has been lovingly cared for by the Barretto-Croce family for five generations. Originally a traditional coffee plantation, it was transformed in the early 2000s into a pioneering model of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Located in the lush hills of Mococa, in São Paulo’s Alta Mogiana region, FAF now stands as both a thriving working farm and a living laboratory for ecological innovation, community wellbeing, and responsible coffee production.
At its heart, coffee remains FAF’s foundation. The farm houses its own roasting facility, processing laboratory, and tasting room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the craft and culture of specialty coffee. Yet FAF’s vision extends far beyond coffee: it is a vibrant, mixed farm producing milk, cheese, honey, corn, beans, bananas, and an abundance of organic vegetables that supply the kitchen. Each meal is prepared on-site by our culinary team, blending ingredients from the land with regional Brazilian recipes and global inspirations to create an unforgettable farm-to-table experience.
Sustainability is the essence of FAF. Since the early 2000s, the farm has phased out agrochemicals and embraced organic and regenerative practices that restore soil health, biodiversity, and water purity. Large tracts of pristine Atlantic Forest are protected within the property, safeguarding wildlife habitats and the natural water sources that sustain the ecosystem and the community around it.
Since 2005, FAF has opened its doors to visitors from across the world — coffee buyers, researchers,musicians, wellness seekers, and gourmets — all drawn by its blend of tradition, hospitality, and innovation. Whether you come to learn, create, or simply reconnect with nature, a stay at FAF offers a unique and rejuvenating experience rooted in the harmony between people, land, and purpose.
Located 300 km north of São Paulo in the cooler climate of the Mogiana uplands famous for producing some of Brazil’s finest coffees, the farm expands for more than 700 hectares, 30% of which is covered by protected Atlantic Forest and Cerrado reserves.
The combination of these two biomes creates an oasis for countless species of birds, mammals, amphibians, insects and native plant life. Life on the farm never stops: we milk the cows daily and tendthe gardens and fields. Former workers’ cottages from the farm’s heyday of intensive coffee production, have been converted into comfortable chalets that can host every kind of group. All the architecture reflects the FAF ethos and style.
At the heart of the farm a communal dining and leisure space welcomes visitors with conversational seating areas, a pizza oven, parilla grill and fireplace. This is the scene for many inspired conversations making powerful connections among friends both new and old. Close to the ‘terreiro’ or drying patio where the harvested coffee is processed, is a large open plan yoga studio. For a refreshing dip there’s a pond or reservoir some 2 kms from the house, and walkers can visit the farm’s ‘mirantes’ or lookout spotswith commanding views over the countryside.
Located in the municipality of Mococa (SP) the farm is reached by a private access road from the nearby township of Igaraí. The property has secure gated access throughout.