Shocking News: High Mountain Coffee Faces Crisis! Find Out What Went Wrong Now!

In the lush high mountains of Jamaica, a tale of two regions is unfolding in the world of coffee production. The dramatic shift in the coffee landscape has seen a sharp decline in high mountain coffee production, while Blue Mountain coffee is experiencing a significant rise. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this transformation.

1. High Mountain vs. Blue Mountain Coffee:
   • Jamaica boasts a diverse array of coffee varieties, with high mountain and Blue Mountains standing out as the defining regions for coffee production.
   • The Blue Mountains, the pinnacle of elevation on the island, are renowned worldwide for producing premier coffee.
   • In contrast, high mountain coffee, encompassing the central and western regions of Jamaica, has been facing a troubling decline in production.
2. Production Disparity:
   • According to the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, high mountain coffee production in 2023 plummeted to 300 tonnes, a stark decrease from the six-year average of 980 tonnes.
   • Conversely, Blue Mountain coffee production in the eastern region soared to 7,845 tonnes, showcasing a remarkable 40 per cent increase from the six-year average.
3. Pricing Dilemma:
   • The disparity in taste between Blue Mountain and high mountain coffee results in varying price points, with Blue Mountain coffee fetching double the price of its counterpart.
   • High mountain coffee struggles to compete in the market due to stagnant pricing over the years, despite rising input costs.
4. Economic Realities:
   • The economic fallout from the pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges faced by high mountain coffee farmers, with many abandoning coffee cultivation.
   • Local purchasing power has dwindled, pushing non-Blue Mountain farmers to seek alternative livelihoods, as highlighted by Blake Widmer of Deaf Can Coffee.

In the unforgiving terrain of the high mountains, the tale of coffee production is one of struggle and survival. As farmers navigate turbulent markets and economic uncertainties, the need for sustainable practices and innovative solutions becomes more apparent than ever. It is a pivotal moment for the coffee industry in Jamaica, where resilience and adaptability are key to weathering the challenges ahead. Let us toast to a future where the traditions of coffee cultivation in the high mountains are preserved and thriving once more.