Rain delays 2004/05 coffee harvesting in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Agência Estado, Brazil

Belo Horizonte - Harvesting of the 2004/05 coffee crop in southern Minas Gerais (MG), which is responsible for over 50% of the state´s arabica production, remains held up by the rain.

Cooperatives and producers in the region say that the delay adds up to 30 to 40 days compared with other crop years.

According to Joaquim Goulart, the president of the Guaxupé coffee cooperative (Cooxupé), rain has not only delayed harvesting but also impinged on drying, with a knock-on effect on quality.

"Humidity provokes fermentation both in the case of cherries on the ground and in the tree, harming appearance and consequently the price at which the product is sold," said Goulart.

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