Colombia Expects Larger Coffee Harvest

Posted by Dave and Dennis on November 29th, 2006 at 08:59am

Coffee production in Colombia is expected to reach 12.2 million 60 kilogram bags this season, up 250,000 from last year, according to the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

New areas planted and more productive coffee plantations due to adoption of better production technologies are the major reasons for the increase in production. In addition, the 2006-07 crop is expected to have less problems with cherry borer that affected 2005-06 crop. This will result in a higher quality crop overall compared to last year.

In 2006-07, Colombia is projected to increase exports to 11.2 million bags from 10.9 million bags in 2005-06, a 3% increase. Despite the strength of the peso against the dollar, international prices are expected to continue to stimulate coffee exports.

The United States continues to be the largest import market for Colombian coffee. Increasing Colombian exports of instant coffee and value-added coffee products, such as organic coffee, is the Colombia’s Coffee Producers Association’s (FEDECAFE) primary focus. Imports will decrease by 50,000 bags, since locally produced coffee of lower quality for internal consumption is increasing.

http://www.agreport.com/open/227037.phtml

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