COVID-19’s next victim could be your cup of coffee. That is according to a University of Purdue economist.
She says that similar to the coffee leaf rust epidemic in 2008, there is a potential for another round of trouble in the industry.
The pandemic is taking away what few resources there are and leaving coffee crops vulnerable around the world. Adding to this threat is the pandemic, which closed borders in Latin and Central America. That eliminated movement of migrant workers who are essential to coffee harvest.
The Purdue researcher says that farmers can take steps to help with rust, but among things you can do: pour another mug, and increase your coffee consumption. She says that an increase in demand can help farmers earn more for their crop and help them invest in management practices.