We are pleased to share the latest updates from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where this year's coffee harvest has begun earlier than expected. The early harvest is largely due to the La Niña climate phenomenon, which has brought heavier and more prolonged rains to the region. This shift accelerated the rainy season, triggering earlier coffee flowering and grain development. Originally scheduled for September, the harvest is now underway thanks to favorable weather conditions since February and March, with consistent rainfall contributing to the development of high-quality beans.
RioSierra Dry Mill
Impact on Coffee Quality and Yield
This early start is expected to positively impact both the yield and quality of the coffee. Optimal rain distribution has resulted in healthy bean development, with fewer undeveloped beans anticipated. Additionally, the intensified dry and wet cycles brought by La Niña have improved the plants' physiological processes, resulting in more uniform and complete bean formation. Proper pest management, particularly in combating the coffee borer beetle, will remain critical to maintaining the quality of the harvest.
Agroforestry Practices and Adaptations
In response to these environmental shifts, local farmers have taken preventive measures to adapt their agroforestry practices. The Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC) implemented strategies to reduce soil erosion on the region's steep slopes by managing water flow and constructing drainage channels. While no significant adjustments to regular practices—such as coffee plant pruning and shade regulation—are needed, cooperatives have expedited pre-harvest activities, including organic audits and the early opening of collection points. This proactive approach is crucial in managing the unusual harvest timing, as initial purchases are being made in smaller volumes compared to previous years.
Farmer and Community Preparation
To ensure a smooth transition, farmers and local communities have been diligently preparing for the harvest. Maintenance of machinery, securing of supplies, and repairs to rain-affected roads have been priorities. RioSierra has played a key role in this process, facilitating early procurement, offering organic certification services, and supporting farmers through the provision of essential materials like bags and storage supplies. They have also advanced commercial engagements with associations to explore new business opportunities and provided loan guarantees to help farmers navigate the season.
Georeferencing training for newly integrated cooperatives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta under the RioSierra project.
Honey Production and Agroforestry Integration
On another front, the annual flowering of Inga trees, which serve as shade for the coffee plants, typically supports honey production during July and August. However, this year’s heavy rains have reduced the bloom, resulting in lower honey yields. We anticipate improved honey harvests during the first quarter of 2025 when the next flowering season begins.
Challenges and Opportunities for RioSierra
As for the challenges and opportunities facing the RioSierra project, one key focus remains the ongoing market positioning of the coffee mill. Efforts are being made to optimize plant capacity and ensure uninterrupted production during this increased demand. Additionally, securing enough fique fiber packaging may be a challenge, but RioSierra is committed to maintaining efficiency and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.
We hope these insights provide valuable context for the current situation in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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