The rainy season seems to be longer once again. ICAFE reports that within the 28500 hectares which make up the area of Los Santos, the loss resulting from rainfall is around 277 thousand fanegas, or around 20 % to 25% of planned production. Until December the lower areas of Los Santos were badly affected, while the higher areas, due to the later ripening of the crop were relatively stable. However, rainfall continued into January, making harvesting tricky everywhere. The work of the harvesters was made more difficult. The transport to the processing plant required protection from rain and access to some locations, such as the beneficio of Monte Copey, became difficult to reach due to road damage by rain und mud.
Producers, Cooperatives, ICAFE, the Ministry of Agriculture and Stockbreeding (MAG) and local government are working together in the search for solutions to the challenges of climate change This is the third December in succession that we have had problems with rain, said Christian Chinchilla, general manager of Coope Dota. It is necessary to accept the situation and concentrate on making the best of our possibilities.
I am confident that the energetic and resourceful producers I have met in Los Santos will find way to continue producing high quality specialty products, putting quality before quantity.