The harvest season is in full swing in the Andean region, particularly in the southern municipalities of the country. With the long-awaited arrival of April rains, coffee growers have seen the start of a crucial period for harvesting. While this meteorological phenomenon has affected the quality of the grain, there is great optimism for the month of May. Traditionally, this is when the departments of Nariño, Cauca, Huila, and Tolima experience the best production, showing significant improvements in yield factors and sensory quality of coffee.
However, following the recent El Niño phenomenon in Colombia, our coffee farms are encountering new challenges. One such challenge is the increased activity of the coffee borer beetle, which has seen its reproduction cycle drastically shorten from 60 to just 22 days due to the summer conditions. At Cafelumbus, we’re swiftly implementing measures to control this pest and safeguard our crops. In line with our commitment to regenerative coffee farming, we’re adopting innovative practices to not only maintain but enhance soil conditions and adapt to climate change.
Here’s what we’re doing to care for our farms and make our coffee production more sustainable:
- Smart planting: Optimizing the way we plant coffee trees to maximize soil and space utilization.
- Tree allies: Planting additional trees to regulate the climate and provide shade, acting like natural umbrellas.
- Water conservation: Protecting water sources and avoiding cultivation in sensitive areas.
- Coffee borer tramps: Controlling coffee borer populations: Managing the presence of this pest is crucial for focusing efforts on specific lots to effectively keep these pests at bay.
- Goodbye, chemicals!: We’ve eliminated harmful chemicals, opting for natural methods to control weeds and pests.
- Natural fertilizer: Using coffee remnants as fertilizer, enriching the soil naturally.
- Subterranean friends: Introducing beneficial fungi to help coffee tree roots grow stronger and healthier.
- Soil balance: Maintaining soil balance to create an optimal environment for our coffee trees.
Furthermore, we’re thrilled to share that at the national specialty coffee event “Bolivar Sabe a Café,” held annually in Ciudad Bolivar, Antioquia in November, we will be educating local producers on borer management and control techniques. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to sustainability and excellence in all our operations. Through adopting regenerative agriculture practices, we’re not just addressing current challenges but also building a more prosperous and sustainable future for our farms, communities, and the coffee we proudly serve.
At Cafelumbus, our mission continues: to offer you the best coffee with the least environmental impact, while also safeguarding our planet and enhancing future productions.
