Costa Rica's coffee industry is struggling. Around 27,000 coffee growers face labor shortages and bad weather. The strong Costa Rican colón against the US dollar adds to their woes by making exports less profitable. A USDA report predicts that coffee production for 2024/25 will be around 1.185 million 60-kilo bags, mirroring the previous year's output. High debts, decreased demand, and low international prices are squeezing growers financially. Many are cutting back on fertilizers and delaying upgrades to better coffee plants. The future of Costa Rican coffee looks bleak unless these systemic issues are addressed.
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