They warn of a possible drop in coffee production in Veracruz – El Buen Tono

AGENCY

Boca del Río, Ver.- The drought registered in Veracruz during 2024 could cause a significant drop in coffee production, with the risk of a shortage of the grain and an increase in its price, warned Valery González Nostrosa, member of the Council Cooperative Coatepec Coffee Regional. Coffee growers estimate a reduction of up to 50 percent (%) in production for the next harvest.

“Producers are generating half of what they produced last year, which means there will be less coffee on the market and prices will rise. Although this benefits producers, it will affect consumers due to the increase in costs,” González explained.

In addition, he pointed out another challenge: the lack of generational change in coffee farms, since the majority of producers are older people and young people show little interest in continuing with this activity. “Many producers prefer to sell their farms or change crops, since coffee is not always profitable,” he added.

On the other hand, he highlighted that the Café Casú company provides support to producers, offering them advice on fertilization and an extra economic incentive if they comply with quality protocols. This represents an effort to avoid farm abandonment and maintain production. “They are paid a higher price if they comply with the quality protocol, which helps producers continue dedicating themselves to coffee,” González concluded.