Small Farmers. Big Change.

As if there weren’t enough happening in Peru, the country has been experiencing torrential rains, heavy flooding, landslides and mudslides in the central highlands and the jungle provinces that have caused at least 20 deaths, extensive damage to crops, and the destruction of many roads and bridges.

We recently received this brief note from Santiago Paz, Manager of CEPICAFE, one of our coffee trading partners in northern Peru:

“… as you know, in our zone we have dry tropical weather and for the most part, it never rains. Now, with all the problems associated with climate change, things have changed considerably and it’s raining with increasing frequency. During the past few days, we’ve been having torrential rains; for now, everything is under control, but if the rains continue it will be a complete disaster.

With respect to the strike (see previous post), it was called on a national level, but has been going on most strongly in other areas of Peru – so far 4 people have been killed. In the zones where CEPICAFE works, there hasn’t been much activity and our producer members haven’t participated….

Warmly,

Santiago Paz”