Peru has always been known for its vast rainforests, encompassing a wide range of wildlife. It is also known for its coffee production, which unfortunately has been rapidly decreasing over the past few years.

Southern Peru is the main spot for coffee farming and was once a way of life for many living there, however, this has begun to change. The mass amount of coffee that was produced in Peru has fallen to almost 10% of what it once was. A common problem, that is also apparent in other countries, is the spread of “Yellow Rust” within Peru. Yellow Rust is a fungus that attacks and normally kills coffee plants. This has made it very difficult for farmers to carry on returning a profitable yield and has forced them into other trades. An area in southern Peru, Tunkimayo, was known for coffee, where 60 active farmers used to live. This number has drastically decreased to just 6. This shows the effect that Yellow Rust is having on the trade.

Most of the farmers that were unable to carry on coffee farming have turned to growing coca plants. The coca plant is known for being the main ingredient in cocaine. This is has been backed up by a huge increase in the amount of coca leaf plantations, which is growing at annual rate of 10%. The local government are trying to combat this issue, but it appears their efforts may be wasted.

For anyone that is involved in coffee, this is surely a very concerning issue.

 

Adapted from: Pacific Standard