In an effort to boost and strengthen the coffee sector in Colombia, the Great Coffee Assembly took place in the capital, Bogotá, marking the beginning of the long-awaited ‘Great Coffee Agreement’. This initiative seeks to draw up a roadmap that allows evaluating and enhancing the current state of the coffee industry in the different departments of the country.
The first stop on this route was the municipality of La Unión, where this initiative began with the prominent presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Jhénifer Mojica Flórez.
Producers
The choice of La Unión as a starting point was no coincidence, since this municipality in the department of Nariño is recognized as one of the main producers of specialty coffee in the country.
In this sense, the importance of understanding the future of the coffee sector was highlighted, especially in regions such as Nariño, where specialty coffee plays a fundamental role in the local economy.
The main objective is to strengthen the association between producers, revalue the role of coffee-growing families and promote the joint work of young people, women and families that make up the coffee fabric in the region.
Need
The coffee grower present at the assembly, Gilder Muñoz Solarte, emphasized the need for unity within the coffee union. «If we do not unite, we will not advance. It is crucial that the Federation corrects the mistakes it has made and seizes the opportunity that presents itself. The Government’s support is encouraging,” he said.
The meeting not only included the participation of the Minister of Agriculture, but also representatives of the Mayor’s Office of La Unión, local organizations and coffee-growing families. This open dialogue allowed us to learn first-hand about the current economic situation of the union, as well as the needs and proposals of the associations and the coffee growers themselves, who seek to improve their quality of life through concrete measures.
With the momentum generated by the Great Coffee Assembly and the commitment of all the actors involved, the ‘Great Coffee Agreement’ is expected to mark a significant milestone in the history of Colombian coffee growing, contributing to the sustainability and comprehensive development of this important economic sector.
