El Salvador’s coffee sector is receiving crucial support from the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC) as it navigates the effects of recent unusual rainfall. With the departure of the La Niña climate phenomenon, sporadic rains have led to an early flowering of coffee plants. To help farmers turn this challenge into an opportunity, the ISC has launched an initiative to strengthen crops, boost productivity, and protect plantations from potential pests.
More than 2,000 coffee producers, managing over 17,000 manzanas of coffee farms, will receive specialized agricultural inputs to enhance plant health and maximize yields. These include foliar fertilizers to nourish crops during this crucial phase, as well as fungicides and attractants to effectively control pests such as coffee leaf rust and the coffee borer beetle. Additionally, the ISC will provide technical training to ensure the best use of these resources.
“This distribution is happening simultaneously across all six coffee-growing mountain ranges, reaffirming our commitment to every producer and their dedication to the industry,” the ISC stated.
The initiative comes at a key moment, as the coffee sector adapts to shifting weather patterns. The Coffee Association of El Salvador (Acafesal) has noted that while early flowering presents challenges, proactive intervention can help farmers protect their crops and secure a strong harvest.
According to Acafesal President Sergio Ticas, pest management is a priority, but the coffee community is well-prepared. “With the right tools and knowledge, we can maintain healthy plants and ensure good production despite changing conditions,” he said.
While coffee production saw a temporary dip of 17.6% in the first four months of the 2024-2025 harvest cycle, the ISC’s intervention is expected to help stabilize yields moving forward. The commitment to sustainable farming practices, combined with ongoing support, puts El Salvador’s coffee industry in a strong position to continue thriving despite climate variations.