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Yellow Rust Evaluation Results in Peru: Insights and Impact on the 2024 Coffee Campaign

Updated: May 9

As we gear up for the 2024 coffee campaign, it's crucial to address potential challenges that could affect coffee production. One such challenge is the threat of coffee yellow rust—a fungal plague caused by Hemileia vastatrix. This devastating pest has historically wreaked havoc on coffee crops, leading to decreased production and economic losses for coffee-growing families.

Macro picture of water droplets on a leaf

The Impact of Yellow Rust:


Between 2013 and 2014, coffee production in Peru suffered a significant blow due to yellow rust. Export potential plummeted from 4.9 million sacks to 3.1 million sacks, underscoring the urgent need for effective management strategies.


Factors Contributing to Yellow Rust Spread:


Climate change and poor agronomic practices exacerbate the spread of yellow rust. Rising temperatures, excessive rainfall, inadequate planting techniques, and suboptimal fertilization practices create ideal conditions for the proliferation of this destructive pest.


Evaluation of incidence of yellow rust, producer Baudelio Regalado, Octucho village center

Evaluation of incidence of yellow rust, producer Baudelio Regalado, Octucho village center - Amazonas Regalado - Amazonas 1400 m.a.s.l. Andean jungle cooperative 


Our Origin Project Café Selva Norte:


Café Selva Norte, Urapi's inaugural venture, collaborates with 14 northern Peruvian cooperatives to combat land degradation. We provide financial backing for farm renovation and agroforestry, operate a cutting-edge mill co-owned by cooperatives, and generate carbon credits through VCS-certified projects, enhancing value for both cooperatives and members.


Café Selva Norte’s response to Yellow Rust:


Café Selva Norte is committed to promoting sustainable land use practices in coffee-producing regions by providing technical and productive support to mitigate the impact of yellow rust.


Coffee plants will be labeled and evaluated periodically (January 2024 and April 2024) to monitor the rust status.

Coffee plants will be labeled and evaluated periodically (January 2024 and April 2024) to monitor the rust status.


2024 Evaluations and Findings:


In our efforts to assess the potential effects of yellow rust on the 2024 coffee campaign, we conducted two evaluations using the methodology validated by the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru (SENASA):

  • January 2024 Evaluation: We assessed 64 plots with six coffee varieties, revealing an incidence level of 48% and a severity grade of 1.

  • April 2024 Evaluation: Follow-up evaluations showed a decrease in incidence level to 21% and a severity grade of 0.7.


Based on our evaluations, we are pleased to report that yellow rust is not expected to have significant repercussions on the 2024 coffee campaign in Northern Peru. This positive outcome underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts and underscores the importance of proactive management practices.


In Closing:


As we navigate the complexities of coffee production, ElevaFinca remains committed to promoting sustainable sourcing practices and supporting coffee growers in overcoming challenges. Together, we can ensure the continued success of the coffee industry in Northern Peru.


Information gathered by Jhony Montalvan Garcia - Agroforestry expert at Café Selva Norte

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