Chris Shepherd was a remarkable human being, but what made him truly special was the way he saw the world. He never viewed coffee as merely a product to be bought and sold. For Chris, agriculture was a living relationship between people, the land, and the communities that depend upon both. His conviction that farming should be environmentally sound, socially just, and spiritually meaningful was the foundation upon which Café Altura was built more than four decades ago.
Long before sustainability became a marketing term, Chris was advocating for farming practices that honored the health of the soil, respected the dignity of farmers, and recognized our responsibility to future generations. These beliefs naturally led him to the Biodynamic movement, where he found a community of people who shared his understanding that healthy farms, healthy ecosystems, and healthy communities are inseparable. Through Demeter and the broader Biodynamic community, Chris formed deep friendships, found inspiration, and strengthened his commitment to supporting agriculture that regenerates rather than depletes.
I was fortunate to experience that world through Chris. When I joined Café Altura, he took a chance on me and opened a door that changed the course of my life. Over the years, he shared his knowledge generously and entrusted me with increasing responsibility. He taught me lessons that cannot be learned from books—about integrity, perseverance, stewardship, and the importance of caring for people. More than a mentor, he was a teacher, a guide, and a friend. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and for everything he taught me along the way.
Today, Chris's son, Will Shepherd, and I share the responsibility of carrying forward the work that meant so much to him. For Will, Café Altura is far more than a business. He quite literally grew up alongside it. He witnessed firsthand the relationships his father built over decades with farmers, customers, colleagues, and members of the Biodynamic community. Many of the people who have been part of Café Altura's journey have been part of Will's life for as long as he can remember. The community that surrounds Café Altura, built on shared values, mutual respect, and genuine friendship, is an important part of his family's story. Together, Will and I view ourselves not as owners of Chris's legacy, but as its stewards, entrusted with preserving the principles, relationships, and sense of purpose that he worked so hard to cultivate.
Chris's legacy extends far beyond the company he founded. It lives on in the farms he supported, the relationships he cultivated, and the countless people whose lives were touched by his work and example. His belief that business can be a force for good remains as relevant today as it was when he began this journey.
As we reflect on Chris's life, there is no greater tribute we can offer than to continue the work he devoted himself to so faithfully. At Café Altura, we remain committed to the principles that guided him from the beginning: supporting Biodynamic and organic agriculture, building meaningful and equitable relationships throughout the supply chain, caring for the health of people and the planet, and conducting business with integrity and purpose. Though Chris is no longer with us, the values he championed and the community he helped nurture will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful for Chris's life, his leadership, and his unwavering belief that agriculture can heal the land while bringing people together. His work continues in every farm stewarding the earth with care, every community strengthened through conscious agriculture, and every person inspired by his example.
