Empowering Colombia’s Coffee Farmers: Blending Tradition and Innovation to Combat Climate Change

Colombia’s Coffee Under Climate Change Pressure

Oscar Gomez, a coffee farmer in Colombia, reflects on the changes he’s seen: “Before, we had clear seasons. Now, the climate is chaotic!” This sentiment is echoed by many in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, known as the Eje Cafetero. Climate change is reshaping the coffee landscape here, the world’s third-largest coffee producer, after Brazil and Vietnam.

The Impact of Climate Change

Extreme weather patterns like heavy rains and prolonged droughts disrupt planting and harvesting schedules. Researchers warn that rising temperatures fuel the spread of pests and diseases, such as the damaging coffee berry borer and the coffee leaf rust fungus. These challenges threaten the livelihood of growers and the quality of the coffee.

Organizations like Cenicafé, Colombia’s national coffee research center, are on the front lines, developing new coffee varieties that resist diseases and adapt to shifting climates. Recently, researchers introduced Castillo 2.0, a new variety aimed at helping farmers maintain quality and income amid these climate challenges.

Farmers Embrace Traditional Practices

Some farmers are shifting back to traditional, shaded coffee farming methods. This approach not only helps combat climate stress but also opens doors to premium coffee markets. By planting shade trees alongside coffee plants, farmers create better growing conditions. However, this method carries risks, including vulnerability to pests and lower yields.

Like many smallholder farmers in Colombia, who represent over 96% of coffee producers, Gomez faces tough choices. The Colombian coffee industry constitutes 8% of the nation’s exports and 12% of its agricultural GDP, making it crucial for the economy.

Expert Insight on Adaptation

Álvaro Gaitán, director of Cenicafé, highlights a critical point: “Temperatures are rising, but we remain within the ideal range for Arabica coffee,” he notes. Yet, the encroaching threats from pests are clear. The coffee berry borer is now reaching higher elevations. These pests thrive in warmer conditions, escalating the risk to coffee crops.

Embracing Resilience through Diversity

Cenicafé has developed 15 resistant coffee varieties since the 1980s, accounting for 87.5% of Colombia’s coffee production. Claudia Florez, head of genetic improvement at Cenicafé, likens developing new coffee breeds to forming a sports team: “We have reserve players ready to step in.” This strategy ensures a diverse range of crops can withstand evolving pests and diseases.

Growing a new variety is a lengthy process that can take over 20 years. Breeders start with a generation of seeds and gradually select the best traits through successive rounds. Once refined, these seeds are mass-produced for farmers.

Traditional vs. Innovation

On the ground, farmers like Angela Maria use traditional methods to adapt to modern challenges. She’s revitalizing shade-grown practices by reintroducing trees and the non-hybrid Geisha variety. “We don’t pursue the same goals as Cenicafé,” she explains, noting her lower yields are offset by the biodiversity and health of her soil.

In contrast, newer farmers, like Sebastián Velázquez, focus on high-end specialty varieties while stressing the need for plant nutrition and biodiversity. For him, healthy plants are less susceptible to disease, a lesson he ties back to overall soil health.

The Balancing Act

As producers face extreme weather and volatile market conditions, they must balance innovation with tradition. While organic practices may reduce yield, many farmers prefer it to using chemicals. Gerardo Carvajal, who grows both hybrid and organic coffee, uses natural methods to fend off pests while maintaining environmental health.

The road ahead for Colombian coffee is fraught with challenges. But through a mix of research, traditional practices, and a commitment to sustainability, farmers are carving a path to resilience.

For further details on the climate impact on coffee production, you can visit Cenicafé’s official site.

As climate change continues to reshape agriculture globally, the stories from Colombia’s coffee farmers offer valuable lessons on adaptability, resilience, and the importance of sustainable practices in facing environmental challenges.

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