Coffee Rust: Is it Harmful?

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There is a devastating disease currently affecting coffee beans. The disease is known as 'coffee rust' and is rapidly destroying fields of coffee beans. 'Coffee rust' is a fungus that appears as small, yellowish spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots often appear powdery like rust, hence the name. Though the disease has been in existence for centuries, it is now wiping out fields more than ever before. An estimated $1 billion worth of damages have occurred throughout Latin America on account of 'coffee rust.' As agricultural coffee farmers suffer, the coffee prices begin to naturally rise to cover the costs of damages. Coffee beans are the single most important agricultural export in the world today, accounting for greater profit than any other agricultural industry. People all over the world depend on coffee to wake up and stay energized throughout the day. Because of the global dependence on coffee, the 'coffee rust' fungus is even more unfortunate. Until it can be remedied, coffee prices will continue to rise. This will make it increasingly difficult for low-income individuals to access coffee like they once could. Fortunately, as with any plant disease, there are solutions. The United States government has agreed to step forth and assist Latin American farmers in combatting this insidious disease. The U.S. Government has partnered with Texas A&M University's World Coffee Research in hopes of finding a cure. The U.S. Government has contributed $5 million to the cause in order to help find a cure. The unfortunate part about the fungus is that it is highly contagious, which makes it difficult for farmers' to contain. The spores are airborne and can affect nearby fields rapidly. In the next few years, scientists have predicted that the coffee industry will have to scale back production by as much as 40%. This will result in coffee bean scarcity, as well as nearly 500,000 lost jobs. Coffee, being the primary agricultural export, is integral to local economies due to the jobs it provides and the profit it creates. The 'coffee rust' fungus has had devastating effects on local economies throughout Latin America, and will continue to negatively impact their economies until a solution is found. 7th Avenue Roastery is doing everything it can to deal with this drop in coffee product in Central and Southern America. Just know that 7th Avenue has multiple suppliers and will continue to offer great coffee in Oklahoma and all across the U.S. in the midst of this global coffee scare.