Coffee Culture
Mexicos coffee industry began in the 1700s when Spanish colonists introduced the first coffee plants in Veracruz. Despite crops being successful, the attention soon turned to more profitable industries and the leaders of coffee production became the local indigenous communities. This shift from large plantations to small, family-owned farms had an impact on Mexicos coffee industry that can still be seen today, with most of the countries coffee production being owned by smallholder farmers, many of which have been family-run establishments that go back many generations.
In addition, the rainfall also washes away valuable oils in the usually rich soil. Rich soil creates a perfect landscape for high-quality specialty coffee to grow
With an estimated 500,000 households relying on the coffee industry as a means of financial support, it’s essential to remedy these challenges soon. Scientists are working on a way to incorporate new strains of varieties that will be able to resist the disease.
Challenges Facing the Industry
Mexicos coffee industry has had to face many challenges in its past with the lack of government support and land ownership struggles. Currently, it is combating climate change which has caused erratic changes in weather patterns and is the suspected cause for Roya, a coffee plant disease that was first seen in Mexico in 2013.
Rainfall in Mexico has increased dramatically, and while rain is good for coffee, it needs to be consistent and not heavy. The rise in rainfall has caused more moisture, the moisture then rusts the coffee leaves and introduces unwelcome bugs and insects, it also can kill the plants, or prevent the cherry from growing completely. This disease devastates crops and many families have already had to move away from the coffee industry due to a loss in profitable crops.
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