First Steps

In Le Duc’s story, coffee is not just a profession – it’s a journey to rediscover the connection between people and the land. He chose the philosophy of “regenerative agriculture” – a way of farming not just for harvesting, but to revitalize the land and regenerate life. Each coffee bean, under his hands, becomes a seed of a story – about appreciating nature, about listening to the breath of the earth before sowing.

Background and Challenges

The Dalanka Project and the “My Forest Garden” model were initiated, aiming for natural farming, without the use of chemicals or soil compaction – simply allowing the soil to regenerate itself. But to achieve this, he had to overcome countless challenges: the skepticism of farmers, investment costs, crop risks, and sometimes even loneliness on a path less traveled.

However, instead of choosing the “fast-paced farming” approach, he chose “slow to go far.” Because he believes that the land only regenerates when people slow down and work in harmony with nature, not against it.

Characters and Real-Life Experiences

In each season, he not only observes the plants but also listens to how they respond to the environment. He balances the relationship between humans, soil, and coffee beans with empathy: the soil rests, people learn, and the coffee grows in a healthy ecosystem.

In each forest garden, he and the farmers create multi-tiered gardens – where coffee plants coexist with shade trees, fruit trees, and even weeds.

Solutions and Breakthroughs

What makes Duc’s journey different is his forest garden solution – a model he calls “cooperation with nature.” In this model, each tree species plays a specific role: some trees protect, some nourish, and some create an environment for microorganisms to thrive.

From coffee beans nurtured in that ecosystem, Xi Pho Cafe has created products with unique flavors – rustic yet sophisticated, reflecting the true essence of their origin.

Impact and Results

Over the years of farming, farmers began to change their way of thinking. They put more faith in natural farming, believing that healthy soil leads to healthy plants.

The number of coffee lovers at Xi Pho has gradually increased. They come not only to buy coffee, but also to participate in sharing sessions, workshops, roasting and brewing experiences – to understand that the true flavor of coffee lies not in the recipe, but in how we perceive the land and people behind that cup of coffee.

Future Vision and Direction

Anh Duc and Xi Pho are aiming for a future where clean agriculture is no longer just a slogan, but a way of life. He wants to expand the forest garden model, train like-minded young people, and create a network of regenerative coffee – where everyone is a part of the cycle of the land.