Guatemalan Coffee Farmers Battle Climate-Driven Coffee Rust Crisis

Guatemalan Coffee Farmers Battle Climate-Driven Coffee Rust Crisis

Guatemalan coffee farmers face a relentless battle against coffee rust. This airborne fungus, worsened by climate change, devastates crops by flecking leaves with spots, causing them to wither. Hernan Argueta, once immune in the highlands, now struggles with reduced yields. Farmers like Argueta are adopting new measures—planting rust-resistant varieties and using fungicides. However, it takes years for new plants to produce beans. The government provides some aid, but it's insufficient. Job losses are mounting as rust spreads. Despite the grim outlook, Argueta remains hopeful, viewing new seedlings as a blessing.

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