Coffee has been grown in Honduras for more than 200 years and is the third largest producer of coffee in Central America behind Guatemala and Costa Rica. Honduras has a long history of producing high quality, specialty grade coffees since its first plantings in 1804. In the last century however, the country suffered from political instability and economic hardship that impacted its ability to thrive as an exporter of specialty grade beans until recently. Today, there is renewed interest among small farmers to grow specialty grade organic beans for export abroad as well as domestic consumption.
1. Honduras is the third largest producer of coffee in Central America, following Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Honduras is the third largest producer of coffee in Central America, following Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Honduras is not only one of the top producers of coffee in Central America but it’s also one of the most important players on a global scale. In fact, according to data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), between 2012-2014 alone, Honduras produced approximately 17% of all global supply!
2. Coffee was first planted in Honduras in 1804 but did not really take off as an important crop until much later.
Coffee was first planted in Honduras in 1804, but it was not until the second half of the 20th century that coffee became a major agricultural crop. Coffee was grown in the southern departments of Copan and La Paz before civil wars broke out in the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, coffee production diminished substantially due to fighting between government forces and left-wing rebels known as guerrillas. However, today Honduran coffee is once again rapidly increasing thanks to improved security conditions and higher farm yields resulting from better cultivation methods. In addition, many rural families rely on coffee as a source of income because it is relatively easy to grow even without access to irrigation systems or other infrastructure improvements.
3. Like many Central American nations, the peak of coffee production in Honduras came after the turmoil of civil wars and economic devastation that occurred in the 80’s and 90’s.
Like many Central American nations, the peak of coffee production in Honduras came after the devastation of civil wars and economic devastation that occurred in the 80’s and 90’s. Many farmers lost their land during this time, but today, as coffee is once again being grown at high elevation (over 1000m), Honduran coffee is back on track. The south and west of Honduras is home to some of the most delicious beans you’ll find anywhere.
4. The majority of coffee producers are small farmers owning less than five acres each.
The majority of Honduran coffee producers are small farmers owning less than five acres each. The average farm size is only 1.3 acres. Most farmers are poor, uneducated, and live in rural areas where subsistence farming is the norm. These farmers have little or no involvement with the export market and only produce enough coffee for their own consumption.
5. Coffee is grown at elevation across the country but primarily in the southwestern departments of Copan, Santa Bárbara, and La Paz.
Coffee is grown at elevation throughout Honduras, but primarily in the southern departments of Copan and Santa Bárbara. The coffee farms on which it is produced are generally small (around three acres), and they are owned by small farmers who produce coffee as their sole source of income. Coffee is typically harvested by hand, with a picker working on the ground to collect ripe cherries.
Coffees produced and imported by Melton Trading Co., such as our flagship Elevation line, are grown in the mountains of Santa Bárbara Department in western Honduras.
6. Due to high poverty rates, many rural children must work on their family farm rather than attend school.
Unfortunately, many rural children are expected to work on their family farm and leave school early. According to the USDA, there is a significant shortage of primary education teachers and schools in Honduras, which makes it difficult for parents who are unable to pay for transportation or other school fees. Because of this, it can take hours each day just getting to school and back home again—time that many students don’t have when they’re needed at home helping out with farming duties.
Parents want their children educated so that they can support themselves later in life; however, due to poverty rates as high as 70%, many do not have the means required to send their children off into secondary school or college.
7. Many Honduran producers grow other crops such as corn, beans, plantains and chilies to supplement their income.
Many Honduran producers grow other crops, such as corn and beans, to supplement their income. Some farmers also grow chilies to sell in the nearby markets.
The country’s coffee production is concentrated in the southern departments of Copan and Marcala. There are approximately 2,000 small-scale producers who make up 99% of this market.
8. Most small farmers sell their coffee to intermediaries that dry and process the beans for export abroad. These intermediaries often sell the coffee as a “generic” Central American blend rather than attributing it to its true origin.
As mentioned above, most small farmers sell their coffee to intermediaries that dry and process the beans for export abroad. These intermediaries often sell the coffee as a “generic” Central American blend rather than attributing it to its true origin.
This is unfortunate because Honduran coffee has so many unique qualities that be complemented by its terroir: the soil, climate and geography of a particular region.
9. Consumers can support producers by purchasing directly from roasters and importers who source specialty grade coffees like those from Honduras from trusted partners abroad.
If you want to support the Honduran farmers and their families, you can do so by purchasing directly from roasters or importers like Melton Trading Co. who source specialty grade coffees like those from Honduras. The best way to ensure that your money goes where it needs to go is by buying from retailers who have a direct relationship with the producer, have a transparent supply chain, and have a sustainable business model.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lover of Honduran coffee or just want to support the farmers who grow it, there are many ways that you can help. The best way is to buy directly from retailers who source specialty grade coffees like those from Honduras from trusted partners abroad. This gives you access to the freshest beans with all their flavors intact which will undoubtedly taste better than anything on the shelf at your local supermarket.
