Finca La Esperanza: A regenerative farm designed using permaculture principles
Nestled within Shift Esperanza, Finca La Esperanza represents a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and environmental restoration. What was once a degraded cattle pasture has transformed into a thriving, 8-acre organic farm designed to restore the land while providing fresh, nutrient-dense produce to the Shift Esperanza community.
More than just a farm, Finca La Esperanza is a living example of how regenerative agriculture and permaculture principles can work in harmony to heal the land, create food security, and foster a deeper connection between people and their environment.
A Regenerative Approach to Farming
At Finca La Esperanza, agriculture is approached through a holistic lens, incorporating agroforestry, permaculture design, and biodiversity-enhancing techniques. Instead of extracting from the land, the farm works in collaboration with natural systems to build soil health, retain water, and cultivate resilient food systems.
How the Farm Works
The farm’s operations are centered around land regeneration and sustainable food production. Key practices include:
Soil regeneration – Improving soil fertility through cover crops, composting, and organic matter cycling.
Agroforestry systems – Combining food-producing trees, medicinal plants, and crops to create multi-layered, self-sustaining ecosystems.
Biodiversity amplification – Enhancing habitat diversity to attract pollinators, improve soil microbiology, and restore the balance of local ecosystems.
Water retention & management – Implementing contour ditches and strategically placed basins to increase water infiltration and retention.
Nursery & Reforestation – Cultivates native trees, fruit trees, edible seedlings, and medicinal plants to support food production, reforestation, and soil restoration while enhancing ecosystem regeneration and carbon sequestration.
Through these methods, Shift Esperanza’s farm is not only a food source but also a living laboratory, showcasing what is possible when farming aligns with natural ecosystems.
A Farm Designed for Community & Sustainability
Finca La Esperanza is deeply woven into the fabric of Shift Esperanza. Designed by Porvenir Design, a leading permaculture and land management team, the farm is an interactive space where residents can learn, engage, and actively participate in their food system.
The farm supplies fresh fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants for the community, reinforcing a culture of health, well-being, and sustainability. It also serves as an educational space where residents and visitors can explore regenerative farming techniques and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Key Features of Finca La Esperanza:
5 hectares (11.4%) of Shift Esperanza dedicated to regenerative farming
Over 1700750 fruit trees planted, including pineapple, jackfruit, cacao, banana, and citrus varieties
More than 10,000 support species introduced to restore soil health and provide natural shade
3 water retention basins to slow and distribute rainfall, reducing erosion and increasing groundwater recharge
500 meters of earthworks designed to retain millions of liters of water per year
A thriving nursery that provides year-round fresh greens while cultivating new trees and plants
Each of these elements contributes to a resilient farm ecosystem that provides food, supports biodiversity, and enhances the surrounding landscape.
Water: The Lifeblood of Regenerative Agriculture
Water is a fundamental part of Finca La Esperanza’s design. Recognizing the challenges of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest ecosystem, the farm team has prioritized water conservation through:
Retention basins that extend the effects of the wet season by holding water in the landscape for longer periods.
Swales and contour ditches that direct and slow the movement of rainwater, increasing soil moisture and reducing runoff.
Vetiver grass plantings to prevent erosion and enhance water absorption.
By managing water efficiently, the farm not only increases productivity but also contributes to long-term land restoration and climate resilience.
A Team Rooted in the Land
Finca La Esperanza thrives thanks to a dedicated team of farmers, designers, and land stewards, each bringing unique expertise and deep-rooted passion for regenerative agriculture.
We also empower our farm team to deepen their permaculture knowledge and skills by offering opportunities to attend workshops and obtain certifications across the country, fostering both personal growth and regenerative expertise.
Meet the Team:
Emanuel Villamil, Farm Manager – A Biosystems Engineer with a background in agriculture and renewable energy.
Porvenir Design Team, led by Sam Kenworthy – Experts in permaculture, water management, and regenerative landscape design.
Daniela Villalobos, Nursery & Soil Fertility Manager - An agronomic engineer with a passion for permaculture and sustainable agriculture
Local Farmers – A dedicated team of agricultural workers with decades of local experience, ensuring that the farm remains productive and sustainable.
With a mix of scientific expertise and traditional knowledge, the team ensures that Shift Esperanza’s farm continues to grow in harmony with its surroundings and the seasons of the region.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Finca La Esperanza
The vision for the farm continues to evolve, with plans to expand agroforestry systems, integrate sustainable livestock management, and further enrich the community’s connection to food production. Future goals include:
Introducing grain and pulse crops for a more diversified food system.
Expanding farm-managed landscaping throughout the development.
Continuing community-based reforestation initiatives with local schools and residents.
As Shift Esperanza grows, so too will the farm—continually adapting, innovating, and reinforcing the importance of regenerative living.
The farm will play a vital role in supporting the community’s food needs, though not in its entirety. Its long-term model and operations will be shaped collectively by the residents, with discussions already exploring possibilities such as a community-run market offering fresh produce, plants, and trees for purchase or a system where food is distributed among members. Financed by the Homeowners Association (HOA), the farm's ultimate goal is to become profitable enough to reduce HOA fees for residents, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both the land and the people who call it home. However, its final structure will be determined through the community committee and ongoing meetings, ensuring it evolves in alignment with the collective vision and needs of those living at Shift Esperanza.
A Model for Sustainable Living
Finca La Esperanza stands as a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture and community-driven land stewardship. By restoring degraded land, producing nutrient-dense food, and fostering a culture of sustainability, the farm exemplifies how human habitation and nature can thrive together.
Shift Esperanza’s farm is not just about growing food—it’s about cultivating a way of life that is in balance with the land, ensuring a healthier future for both the community and the environment.
Discover how Finca La Esperanza is redefining regenerative agriculture at Shift Esperanza. Listen to the full podcast conversation with Matthew Blesso to learn more about sustainable development in Nosara, Costa Rica.
