As we approach the peak of the 2024–2025 coffee harvest, Honduras is experiencing significant climate-related challenges that are shaping this year’s production. At ElevaFinca, we remain committed to keeping you informed and ensuring that you receive the highest-quality coffee while supporting sustainable practices.
Below, we provide an update on the current situation, its impact on coffee production, and the steps being taken to adapt to these challenges.
The COMICAOL cooperative, in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG),
Current Climate Impact
Honduras is facing the consequences of both a prolonged six-month drought and the recent tropical storm Sara, which entered the northeastern region on November 14. These events have severely affected coffee production across the country.
Drought Impacts:
The drought disrupted key production stages such as flowering, fruit setting, and grain filling, resulting in lower yields and heightened vulnerability to pests and diseases like leaf rust and coffee berry borer.
Tropical Storm Sara:
Heavy rains from Sara have caused landslides, road deterioration, and delays in farm maintenance, with potential risks to crop maturation and harvest logistics. The northern region is under red alert, though it is not a major coffee-producing area.
Harvest Updates by Region
1. Comayagua (La Libertad, Lajas, San Luis, San Gerónimo)
Road damage and landslides reported.
Rainfall is accelerating maturation, with peak harvest expected in early January.
Wet parchment coffee is priced at 7,000 lempiras per load at intermediary levels.
2. Danlí (Villa Santa, Buena Vista, Ocotillo, and others)
Excessive soil moisture impacting road conditions and hive functionality in apiculture.
Harvest peak anticipated for late December, with no reported productivity losses so far.
3. El Paraíso
Flooded roads and landslides have affected access to farms.
High humidity has led to increased incidences of coffee leaf rust and pest infestations.
4. San Andrés, Lempira (Southern Zone)
Up to 50% fruit loss reported in low areas, with isolated farms facing access issues.
Harvest progress is estimated at 5%, with prices ranging from 4,300 to 5,600 lempiras per quintal of dry parchment coffee.
Damages in coffee-growing areas.
Future Outlook
The combination of drought and heavy rainfall is accelerating coffee maturation. While this raises concerns about quality and access to farms, cooperatives are actively implementing strategies to mitigate these effects:
Certification Programs: Strengthening organizational practices to improve resilience.
Climate-Resilient Varieties: Introducing drought-tolerant, high-yield coffee plants.
Agroforestry Systems: Integrating forest species to protect soil, prevent erosion, and improve yields.
Financing for Resilience
ElevaFinca, through Aroma Café & Miel, is offering targeted financing to cooperatives for soil improvement and climate adaptation projects. These initiatives include:
Supporting agroforestry systems to mitigate environmental risks.
Funding the introduction of native and climate-resilient coffee varieties.
Enhancing soil health through live barriers and organic pest control methods.
By investing in these measures, cooperatives can safeguard productivity, improve coffee quality, and build resilience against future climate challenges.
Here's a breakdown of the ACM activities to date:
PARTNER COOPERATIVES: 11
FINANCED HECTARES: 325.27
ACTIVITIES STARTED IN: AUGUST
The COMICAOL Cooperative has delivered a coffee nursery as part of a project in collaboration with the SAG (Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock) and with the support of IHCAFE (Honduran Coffee Institute). Thanks to their valuable contributions, the El Paraíso region is now equipped to replant and revitalize its coffee parcels.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, the Honduran coffee sector is making strides to adapt and thrive. The national harvest progress currently stands at 2%, with exportable production projected at approximately 7 million quintals.We are committed to supporting our partners through these challenging times and ensuring the sustainability of the value chain.
If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue delivering exceptional coffee to the world.
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