Central American Coffee Farmers Face Big Challenge As Market Shrinks: ICO Chief

The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) has acknowledged Central American farmers’ “immense challenges” as coronavirus batters the global market and said it could help push the private sector to more sustainable practices, despite criticism of its record.

The comments by Jose Sette, head of the London-based ICO, follow Guatemala’s announcement that it was leaving the global trade group, which the government said was not forceful enough in its advocacy for fairer prices.

Central America and Mexico produce about a fifth of global arabica supplies. Prices for specialty and commodity-grade beans, however, have tumbled as many coffee shops in developed countries remain closed due to coronavirus restrictions adopted by governments.

ESM