Field day

Last week, a “Field Day” was held, consisting of attending a talk by pest experts and explaining the possibilities for combating rust.

The event was organized by “LAAD“ (Latin American Agribusiness Development Corporation), is a private investment and development company that finances and carries out private agricultural projects in Latin America and the Caribbean in all phases of production, processing, storage, service, technology and marketing in the areas of agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing.

The truth is that it was very interesting, because Dr. Edgardo Alpizar (phytopathologist, expert in pests and diseases) showed some solutions to combat such a devastating pest, which maintains the hope of being able to coexist with rust and that the cost is not too high. He also suggested varietal change, with varieties that are more resistant to the fungus and highly productive.

Also present at the event was Nicaraguan producer Henry Hueck, a coffee grower and expert in quality coffees. He talked about his experience with the new problem and how to combat and live with rust. He also changed the variety on part of the farm, commenting that the quality of the coffee does not change greatly compared to higher quality varieties that are not resistant to rust.

After the field day, I have many doubts, as I explain below:

What is better: changing the variety for a more resistant and lower quality one or increasing costs and maintaining the variety, highly recognized and approved by specialty coffee associations?

Si cambiamos la variedad, ¿quién nos asegura que la enfermedad no mutará y finalmente se hará resistente al hongo?

The new variety will take three to four years to start producing its first fruits. How will it be possible to withstand the economic impact of being without income for so long?