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In the latest of this unfortunate leaf rust outbreak in Central America, authorities with the Central American Origanization of Coffee Exporters estimate that the epidemic will destroy at least 184 million kilos of coffee. They are calling on governments to join forces in combating this problem.
Honduras is currently the most devastated by the disease, with 82.8 million kilos having been destroyed thus far. They are followed by Guatemala with 29.9 million kilos, Nicaragua with 27.6 million kilos, El Salvador with 18.4 million kilos, Costa Rica with 11.5 million kilos, and finally Panama with 2.7 million kilos. Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Costa Rica have already declared states of emergency and have been receiving both public and private funding and donations.
The regional situation will be in discussion at the next meeting of regional agricultural ministers in Costa Rica on February 18th and 19th.