BOGOTA – Colombia, the world’s leading producer of mild washed Arabica coffee, produced a total of 12.1 million 60 kilo coffee bags during 2014. Average national productivity reached 15.26 60 kilo coffee bags per hectare, establishing 2014 as the year with the third highest average productivity of the past fourteen years.
In December 2014 alone, coffee production reached a total of 1.1 million 60 kilo coffee bags. The rise in production was the result of the initiatives led by the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) to increase crop renovation and productivity.
In addition, thanks to the more competitive exchange rate and the higher price of coffee in the international market, the coffee harvest value reached $2.3 billion (COP $5.4 trillion) including government support. This meant a 23% increase compared to the coffee harvest value 2013 in domestic currency.
“The FNC has put a great deal of effort into increasing productivity and coffee grower income. The new strategic plan will strengthen and complement such efforts based on the conclusions of the National Congress of Coffee Growers concerning the economic, social, environmental and institutional pillars,” noted Luis G. Muñoz, CEO of the FNC.
Coffee Exports
Colombian coffee exports reached a total of 11 million 60 kilo green coffee bags in 2014. This 13% increase compared to 2013 confirms that there is a mounting demand for high quality Colombian coffee in the international market.
In December 2014, coffee exports reached approximately 1.1 million bags, entailing a 6% increase compared to the same previous period.
2014 Highlights
The Colombian coffee industry’s main performance indicators reflected positive results in 2014.
- Nearly 3, 2 billion trees and 600,000 renovated hectares.
- Average national productivity reached 15.26 60 kilo coffee bags per hectare.
- The total high density coffee area reached 913,000 hectares, reflecting a 21% increase.
- The average age of Colombia’s coffee plantations decreased 42%, reaching 7.2 years.
- 420,000 coffee growing familiesgrowmore than 50% of their plantations with rust-resistant varieties.
- The presence of coffee leaf rust was reduced by 85%.It is currently below 4.1%.
- 105new automated weather stations were connected, which provide an early warning system for coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust.
- 69,000 hectares are part of the forest conservation program.
- 300 Juan Valdez Cafés are operating in 14 countries.
- 61% of the FNC’s exports are value added products.
- Voter turnout was 67.3% in the Coffee Grower Elections.
