Costa Rica News – Producers are open to sowing the Robusta variety of coffee. They will be able to plant this coffee in low areas of Costa Rica. It will be under strict control of Icafé, according to official published rules.
The variety is taller and more productive than the Arabian variety. In the world market, however, it is considered lower quality and yields a lower price. It would likely be used to meet domestic demand.
The variety was prohibited since 1988 but as of May 16th is authorized for low altitude areas. The Coffee Institute of Costa Rica will have a strict control in order to avoid a mixture of crops in zones. Additionally, it will test types of Robusta to see which adapts best to the country.
There are many in opposition to this plant, fearing it will negatively affect the international prestige of Costa Rican coffee. 60% is sold in high quality markets at high prices.
Those in favor see benefits like bringing jobs to areas with high unemployment as well as increasing locally grown coffee as to reverse the trend heading towards importing 50% of coffee for local consumption.
