Strike by Colombian coffee farmers
London (27 February, 2013) – The Executive Director of the International Coffee
Organization (ICO), Mr Robério Oliveira Silva, today released the following statement with
respect to the strike by coffee growers in Colombia, who are asking for more government
assistance to protect them against falling coffee prices and more competitive exchange
rates.
The February ICO average composite indicator price for coffee fell to 131.39 US cents/lb as
of today, 28% lower than in February 2012. The monthly average composite price for
Colombian Milds fell from 244.14 US cents/lb to 161.57 US cents/lb, equivalent to a 34%
decrease over the same period. The current coffee prices situation is affecting producers all
over the world and is a matter of concern for the ICO and the global coffee community.
This is a market situation that cannot be controlled by any single player in the market. Volatility in prices causes serious economic problems throughout the coffee supply chain, and affects over 120 million small farmers in more than 50 countries around the world, who rely on
cash income from coffee and who have limited access to risk management instruments.
Colombian coffee producers are valued by the international markets, and their coffee is
known and respected all over the world for its quality. The Colombian Coffee Federation has
been, for 85 years, a role model in producing countries. It has ensured sustainability and a
better life for coffee growers in Colombia throughout its existence.
Colombia is the world’s fourth top producer of coffee, after Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia,
and produced 7.6 million bags in coffee year 2011/12. The Colombian Coffee Federation
represents over 500,000 small farmers in the country.
Further information about the strike can be obtained from the website of the Colombian
Coffee Federation: www.federaciondecafeteros.org.
Further information on global coffee prices and the latest report on the world coffee market
can be obtained from the ICO website: www.ico.org.