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The coffee sector in Colombia is the only one that has its own biosafety protocol, endorsed by the Ministry of Health. Therefore, under strict protocols, the harvest of the second half of the year will begin, in which it is planned to collect about 400,000 bags, which is equivalent to 55% of the annual volume.
According to the manager of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, Roberto Vélez, the union is working so that all the measures are complied with and the health of coffee growers is preserved. “It is not enough to announce a protocol. You have to make sure that the coffee growers know you and, of course, that they follow you. We have done that: work hard so that each one knows what to do, ”said Vélez.
In the preparation of the second harvest of the year, an inter-institutional work has been carried out with the authorities of the department and each municipality. The objective is that all members of the coffee production chain can carry out their tasks without risk. “Coffee gives us the opportunity to work and recover the economy of our farmers,” said Governor Clara Luz Roldán.
The second half harvest represents about $ 260 billion. The coffee outlook has been positive in recent months due to the peso-dollar exchange rate and the international price. In addition, coffee growing has remained within the mobility exceptions decreed by the national government, because it is an essential agricultural activity.
What are the protocols?
The coffee growers, the governor, mayors, the public force, health authorities and civil society are involved in the harvest plan. For assisted harvesting, for example, the Coffee Growers Committee encourages coffee beans to be left on the tree for up to 35 days to concentrate harvesting and improve the supply of harvestable fruits. The use of tarpaulins and demolition machines was also promoted to optimize labor.
On the other hand, the creation of job boards is being promoted to supply a portion of the workforce. If people from other sectors join as collectors, the massive transfer of personnel from other places can be avoided and regions are economically activated by employing their inhabitants.
The Police will be present on the farms to guarantee security and public order during the mobilization of labor, coffee and values. In the event that the transfer of collectors from one municipality to another is required, the authorities will be accompanied to ensure that biosecurity protocols are met.
“We are ready to give the flag and start the Harvest Plan for our second semester of the year, in which the coffee growers collect the produce and hope for our hard work in the fields,” said the manager of the National Federation of Coffee Growers.
In the 39 coffee-growing municipalities of Valle de Cauca there are about 52,400 hectares planted. The department produces 5.2 million arrobas per year, corresponding to 5.6% of the national production.
Figures:
- More than 45 thousand jobs are generated by coffee growing in Valle del Cauca.
- 633 families make a living from the coffee industry in the department.
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