Coffee cultivation in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountain range faces an existential threat as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall wreak havoc on production. Farmers in this vital coffee-growing region are increasingly compelled to relocate their crops to higher elevations due to warming temperatures. Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns are complicating growth and harvest processes, exacerbating the challenges faced by the coffee industry.
Historically free of significant plant diseases, the region’s coffee crops are now falling victim to ailments such as rust, brown eye spot, and coffee borer insects, which are diminishing yields. According to the Latin American and Caribbean Fairtrade Network (CLAC), production in the Sierra Nevada has plummeted by 35% over the past five years.
Javier Ardila, a 44-year-old coffee farmer, reflects on the dramatic climatic changes: “Thirty years ago, we wore coats in the afternoon. Now, temperatures reach about 28°C. Arabica coffee plants can only handle temperatures up to 24°C.” Ardila expresses deep concern, noting that the increasing severity of conditions is profoundly impacting local farmers.
Jaime Garcia Florez, 59, from the township of Siberia, echoes these worries, describing the situation as dire: “Producing coffee has become extremely challenging with the rise in temperatures and unstable conditions. Climate change is no longer a distant issue; it’s here and affecting us directly.”
Adding to their woes, coffee producers are grappling with plummeting international coffee prices, which have dropped from over $5 per kilogram in early 2022 to around $3 now. Rising costs for fertilizers and labor are further squeezing margins, compelling many farmers to seek alternative crops such as cocoa and honey to sustain their livelihoods.
Ardila laments the grim future of coffee cultivation: “If prices remain low, we will be forced to switch to other crops. It’s incredibly tough to stay in business when harvesting doesn’t cover production costs.”
Farmers are also facing a demographic shift, with younger generations leaving the region for less arduous work, casting a shadow over the future of traditional coffee farming. Fernando Gutierrez, 48, describes the emotional toll of watching their way of life deteriorate: “It feels like something is dying, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.”
Jorge Marino, 63, shares the sentiment of loss, stressing the deep connection between farmers and their craft: “If we can’t produce coffee anymore, it will break our spirits. Coffee is our heritage, passed down through generations. Losing it would be devastating.”
To combat these challenges, the Red Ecolsierra association—a Fairtrade organic cooperative of over 400 farming families—is employing Fairtrade Premium payments to invest in “agroforestry” systems. These systems introduce diverse tree species to provide shade, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health, aiming to safeguard future coffee production. The organization is also adopting soil-friendly bioproducts, engaging in conservation projects, selling carbon credits, and supporting educational initiatives.
While Red Ecolsierra’s efforts may offer some respite, Garcia Florez remains cautious about their effectiveness: “These measures might not be enough to fully counter the effects, but we are doing our best to adapt and persevere.”
The cooperative has also improved infrastructure, facilitating farmers’ access to international markets by establishing an administrative center in Santa Marta, creating more convenient coffee drop-off points, and launching a roasting business. Directly exporting coffee has streamlined the supply chain, enabling farmers to capture more value.
In light of the ongoing crisis, Fairtrade advocates are urging consumers and retailers to support products that better aid farmers and workers facing climate-induced challenges. Since its inception in 1994, Fairtrade has positively impacted around 10 million people across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, with 6,000 products available in the UK alone.
Mike Gidney, Chief Executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, underscores the urgency: “The world is more perilous now than ever, with climate change, global instability, rising costs, and persistent low prices threatening farmers’ futures. This is a critical issue for everyone.”
Garcia Florez highlights the crucial role of Fairtrade in mitigating these pressures: “Without Fairtrade, many Sierra Nevada farmers would struggle significantly. Every cup of coffee represents a family’s dreams and hopes. We produce with passion and hope that our efforts and support will continue.”