Does climate change threaten Colombian coffee? Jorge Cárdenas analyzes

The renowned coffee leader Jorge Cárdenas, former manager of the National Federation of Coffee Growers for 40 years, conducted an analysis on the challenges faced by Colombian coffee growing due to climate change. With his vast experience in the sector, Cárdenas highlights the need for adaptation and resilience against the effects of climate in coffee production in Colombia.

Known worldwide for its high-quality coffee, the country faces a significant challenge generated by climate change. Cárdenas points out that, over the years, The country has had to adjust the altitude of its coffee crops to adapt to the new climatic conditions. Previously, he explains, most coffee plantations were between 800 and 1,000 meters high and today, due to the increase in temperature, coffee is grown at altitudes above 1,700 meters.

“When I retire, the coffee is at 1,200 meters high. You can no longer sow at either 800 or 1000 because that has become too hot, it is already a different type of climate, it is another production condition. Today the coffee is above 1700 meters. That’s a big change. Having to raise the coffee to 1700. You have to educate the farmer for that height,” he says.