Most of the Central American Coffee growers are having to deal with 'Coffee Rust' which can cause the plant to suffocate and die. Countries like Guatemala have declared a national emergency and are allocating funds to small farmers to increase the use of fungicides and pesticides on their coffee plants. Columbia, known for its Arabica coffee plants, has seen production fall over 30% due to the 'rust' and in other Central American countries the loss has been over 50%..
Some sources blame El Nino weather patterns and global warming for the rust problem spreading in the region. Monoculture farming is also considered a practice that requires heavier uses of pesticides and fungicides. If you have blood work done sometime don't be to suprised if the Doc tells you that you have 'normal levels of pesticides and herbicides in your blood'. 'Normal levels'
There are 'hybrid' varieties that are resistant to the 'rust' but do not produce the finer coffees that we enjoy. It takes about 3-4 years for a plant to begin bearing fruit. Some farms claim to be organic but it is hard to stay 'Organic' if all around you the farmers are having to result to increased spraying cycles.
The price of our favorite morning beverage may be going up $$$