In a landmark move for the U.S. House of Representatives, a new partnership has brought high-quality Puerto Rican coffee to the halls of power. Panorama Farm, an enterprise from Puerto Rico, has secured an official vendor agreement, ensuring that a taste of the island's rich agricultural heritage is now readily available to those working in the nation's legislative hub. This collaboration provides a welcome addition for a demanding environment, offering a distinctive and meaningful coffee experience.
At the heart of this initiative is Angelique Sina, a dynamic social entrepreneur who established Panorama Farm in 2021. More than just a coffee farm, it serves as an eco-tourism destination with a profound social mission. Through an innovative nonprofit model, every cent of net profits generated by Panorama Farm is channeled directly into programs supporting youth entrepreneurship and education across Puerto Rico. Sina's vision extends beyond commerce, aiming to cultivate a movement that champions self-sufficiency and demonstrates how charitable endeavors can operate with the strategic acumen of a business and the profound commitment of a community.
The journey of this coffee, from the fertile lands of Las Marías, Puerto Rico, to the bustling Longworth House Office Building Gift Shop, is a testament to the island's inherent talent, unwavering resilience, and innovative spirit. Sina, formerly a global relationships manager for the World Bank, also founded the nonprofit Friends of Puerto Rico. This organization played a crucial role in mobilizing substantial financial aid for the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, underscoring Sina's enduring dedication to her homeland's recovery and advancement. The presence of this coffee in Congress symbolizes a powerful declaration that products crafted in America, particularly from regions like Puerto Rico, rightfully deserve their place within the national economy and in the vital conversations that shape its future trajectory.
Cafe Ama Love stands as the flagship coffee brand of Panorama Farm, deeply integrated with the mission of Friends of Puerto Rico. This connection ensures that each purchase directly contributes to the nonprofit's ongoing efforts to empower and uplift communities. While official government statistics regarding Puerto Rico's coffee output are often elusive, it is widely recognized that the island contributes only a small fraction to global coffee production, often relying on imports to satisfy local consumption. Nevertheless, the Puerto Rican coffee sector has increasingly focused on cultivating premium Arabica varieties, carving out a niche in the specialized coffee market on the U.S. mainland. This focus on quality and social impact reinforces the value and potential of Puerto Rico's agricultural landscape.