Carrboro barista takes talents to Honduras

Ready, set, roast!

Scott Conary, president of Carrboro Coffee Roasters and owner of Open Eye Cafe, has been invited to participate in a televised competition called “Barista & Farmer.”

The show, now in its second season, is being co-produced by Francesco Sanapo and Rimini Fiera. This year’s competition was filmed in western Honduras and wrapped Tuesday. It will air online at baristafarmer.com and eventually being turned into a documentary.

Ten baristas have been selected to appear on the talent show for coffee roasters, working on coffee farms, taking classes and participating in challenges and team-building exercises. Contestants were chosen from countries across the world, including Colombia, Argentina and Italy, among others.

“The talent show lets the world see the passion growers and baristas have for their work,” said Sanapo in a release.

Sanapo, a close friend of Conary, invited him to serve as an instructor on the show.

Conary was chosen for his knowledge and experience in the field, said Davide Agazzi, spokesman for “Barista & Farmer.”

“A few years ago, we had the chance to source coffee together in Honduras — he for his World Championship performance in Bogota, and I for our loyal customers who appreciate our connection with farmers and the land — and it was there that we both agreed to work together on a project in Honduras,” said Conary in an email.

One of the contestants, Stephany Davila, from Guatemala, said the show has given her a new perspective on coffee picking.

“There’s a lot to discover in this field, I think it’s necessary to keep exploring and Barista & Farmer is giving me this opportunity,” said Davila in a press release.

“Before coming here, I thought that the show was more similar to a ‘game,’ and instead we work hard — the program is full of activities and each night we come back home really tired.”

Conary also said the contestants would be working as well as having fun.

“While some will visit for a day and maybe try their hand at coffee-picking, these baristas are working in the field everyday, processing their coffee and learning the skills needed to understand the action and to appreciate and evaluate the results,” Conary said.

“This is a unique, hands-on approach never before seen in our industry,” he said.

Conary described the experience as phenomenal.

“Everyone — from the farmers, employees, sponsors, to the baristas and teachers — are on a whole new level of fun and education,” he said.

“Every day brings challenges, learning and eye-opening experiences that are always colored by the sheer joy of the program. The days are long, but even as a teacher, we come away from it learning every day.”

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