What does this mean for coffee producers?
In 2020, the farming sector saw significant job losses reportedly in 70% of communities in formal agriculture and 61% in small-scale farming. We observed this situation had somewhat improved towards mid-2021, but we have yet to see the full impact of the pandemic on agriculture, and specifically on coffee farming, for 2021.
Government measures to contain the spread of the virus such as locking down economic activity, community lockdowns, and travel restrictions will still be necessary and will continue to be implemented to address the public health emergency situation.
Incidentally, these measures also cause substantial and extensive disruption not just on coffee farm activities, trade, and business but on coffee farming community development work as well.
The Coffee Heritage Project understands that the reduced economic activity, income loss, and rise in rural poverty will have a long-lasting, if not far-reaching impacts, long after the COVID19 containment measures are lifted.
The pandemic is exceptional in its depth and breadth. On this note, the Coffee Heritage Project believes it is paramount for the year ahead, and for as long as the pandemic persists, to keep our local farmers in front and center of the discussions on agroeconomic recovery measures, and continue to promote participatory programs and activities to ensure that they are heard.
The success of recovery measures on our local coffee farms can only be achieved through the combined efforts, not only of the national government, other local institutions, and the Coffee Heritage Project, but including, coffee shops, businesses, and most important - coffee consumers!
Stay safe everyone!
Support your local coffee shops and businesses!
Support our local coffee growers!
Photos by Jerome San Juan
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