Due to the climatic conditions predicted for the months of July and August, an increase is expected in the presence of the disease in coffee plantations in Costa Rica.
During July there is a typical decrease in rainfall known as "la canícula", a period in which Rust progresses slowly and the emergence of new lesions is less.However, at the same time there is a greater presence of spores in the lesiones favored by the warmer temperature and by weaker and less frequent rains.This situation will promote a largeincrease in the disease in the majority of the Costa Rican coffee plantations when more abundant rains return starting in August, reported the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (Icafé).
A reduction has been projected of between 10% and 15% in the 2017/18 harvest due to the effects of drought and frost in different production areas in the country.
The projections are the result of an assessment carried out by the technical department of the National Coffee Association (Anacafe) in different parts of the country.For the 2017/18 harvest a production of 3.35 million hundredweight is expected.
With trust funds planned for this year still not liberated, the union is negotiating with entities such as the CABEI and the IDB to obtain new sources of funding.
The National Coffee Association (Anacafe) estimated at $955 million the amount needed to renew 60% of coffee plantations, and although "it may seem very high," Alexander Keller, vice president of Anacafé, says that"...
Grain production is expected to increase from the 3.8 million in the 2014/15 harvest to 4.1 million in the current season.
The union of coffee producers anticipates better results for the 2015/16 harvest, despite the fall in international prices and the negative impact still being caused by the rust problem. Evelio Alvarado, general manager of the National Coffee Association, told Diario de Centroamerica that "...
A trade mission to Taiwan has been organized for November 13th for Guatemalan coffee exporters so that they can participate in the International Fair for Tea, Coffee and Wine 2015.
Funds from the Trade Office for Central America are being used to finance part of the costs for promotion, translation, logistical support and equipment needed for to the ´cupping´or tasting coffee companies who will take part in the mission.
While waiting for the trust funds to be released, the resources sector is seeking the renewal at least 60% of plantations and exploring new markets in order to increase exports.
The producers union says it need funds to renovate at least 60% of the plantations costing between $3000 and $4000, and to seek new markets internationally and generate higher value added.