Story perspectives

Colombia's Coffee Crisis: Labor Shortages and Climate Threaten Harvest

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colombia's coffee industry faces significant challenges despite a historic harvest and rising global prices.
Mary Luz, a Colombian coffee farmer, and Rodrigo Pérez Arrubla face labor shortages that leave some crops unpicked.
The climate crisis worsens yields in Colombia, threatening the livelihoods of over half a million families.
AI sorting machines exist but are unaffordable for most smallholders.
Experts urge focusing on specialty markets to improve profitability.

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Story summary

Colombia's coffee industry faces significant challenges despite a historic harvest and rising global prices.
Mary Luz, a Colombian coffee farmer, and Rodrigo Pérez Arrubla face labor shortages that leave some crops unpicked.
The climate crisis worsens yields in Colombia, threatening the livelihoods of over half a million families.
AI sorting machines exist but are unaffordable for most smallholders.
Experts urge focusing on specialty markets to improve profitability.