The Colombian Federation of Coffee Growers on Thursday announced that they have provided more $180 million in income support to coffee farmers in 21 of the country’s departments since the income protection program was implemented 32 weeks ago.
In a press release the organization explained that subsidies to Colombia’s coffee farmers are necessary to sustain the industry, due to Colombia’s economic situation and global coffee prices.
Over 32 weeks, the federation claims to have supported an average of 1,208 coffee growers per day and each farmer has gained an average sum of $725 in financial support.
To date, the coffee growers’ committee has sent 437,000 text messages to Colombia’s coffee farmers, who are registered with the organization, to confirm the transfer of payments.
On Wednesday the federation reported a 36% increase in coffee production during May 2013, as well as a rise in exports of 45%.
MORE: Colombia’s coffee output increased by 36% in May
Earlier this year, many of Colombia’s coffee producers went on strike to demand more government support after prices reportedly dropped below the cost of production, due to inflation and a strong Colombian peso. The strike came to an end on March, 2 when Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos agreed to discuss an increase in financial support to the growers.
CAFETEROS HAN RECIBIDO 348.164 MILLONES DE PESOS DENTRO DE LOS PROGRAMAS AIC-PIC (Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia)