Costa Rica's heavy rains destroy nearly 15% of coffee crop
SAN JOSE, Nov 22 (Reuters) -Heavy rains in Costa Rica triggered a national emergency and destroyed close to 15% of the Central American country's annual coffee harvest, costing the coffee growers some $45 million, according to estimates from the ICAFE coffee institute.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
The rains - attributed to indirect effects from Hurricane Rafael and Tropical Storm Sara - caused floods and landslides that could hit growers hard in a country that exports more than 85% of its arabica harvest, renowned for its high quality.
The rains represent a blow to 27,000 coffee-producing families, over 300 processing mills and some 90 exporting companies, according to official figures from the coffee industry. They also came as the local colon strengthened against the U.S. dollar, diluting exporters' earnings.
KEY QUOTE
"We have recorded a national loss of on average three bushels (equivalent to three 46 kg bags of processed coffee) per hectare, which amounts to a preliminary estimate of more than $45 million," ICAFE chairman Guillermo Trejos told reporters, saying the figure factored in a recent rebound in coffee prices.
BY THE NUMBERS
Costa Rican authorities estimate some 280,000 bushels were lost, representing 15% of the current crop which had in October been forecast to grow 13% compared to the prior season.
WHAT'S NEXT
Authorities said the actual losses may be clearer in coming months, as the high humidity could cause more pests or disease outbreaks. The mid-November rains came at the time that many beans were ripening or ready for harvest.
Reporting by Alvaro Murillo; Editing by Sam Holmes
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