26 Nov, 2008 - Honduran coffee production in 2009 is forecast at 4.1 million (60 kilograms) bags, a seven percent increase from the previous year. Coffee exports for 2009 are forecast at 3.6 million 60 kilogram bags, also a seven percent increase from 2008.
The increase is due to greater utilization of inputs such as of fertilizer, provision of new seeds, and an increase of technical assistance programs. Higher coffee prices in the first months of 2008 motivated producers to pay more attention to their farms, increasing productivity.
The new data from the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE) suggests that the 2008/2009 harvest is expected to reach 4.1 million (60 kilograms) bags, this is a seven percent increase from the previous year. Production for the 2007/2008 harvest is estimated at 3.8 million bags.
The increase in production is a result of work done by the IHCAFE and other coffee producer organizations on the renewal of plantations, facilitating access to fertilizers, and a strategy of integrated pest management nationwide.
Through a trust fund, IHCAFE bought fertilizers to implement a distribution program. About 85,000 coffee producers participated in this program. The fertilizer was sold at a low cost and payment was deferred for one year. Coffee producers did not expand the area planted, but instead invested in their plantations. The application of the fertilizer, the provision of new seeds, improvement of planting density, soil conservation, and the incentive of higher coffee prices have motivated producers, resulting in increased productivity.
Trade
Coffee exports for 2007/2008 are estimated at 3.4 million 60 kilogram bags. There is a slight decrease in exports from the estimated amount due to lowering coffee prices. Exports in 2008/2009 are forecast at 3.6 million, 60 kilogram bags (a seven percent increase from 2008).
Stocks
The increase in stock numbers is substantiated by the new IHCAFE data. Coffee beans stored by the roasters are only toasted upon request. Roasters keep the remaining beans for domestic consumption. The coffee might also be sold to other Central American countries throughout the year.
