Bolivia, Yungas Mountain – Dark Roast

Description

Coffee Production in Bolivia

Bolivia produces primarily arabica coffee, with major growing regions located in the Yungas and Caranavi provinces. The country’s high elevations (typically 1200–2000 meters above sea level), volcanic soils, and distinct wet and dry seasons create suitable agro-ecological conditions for specialty coffee cultivation.

Coffee is primarily produced by small- to medium-scale farmers, many of whom operate within cooperative structures. Due to land reform in regions such as Caranavi, average farm sizes range from 4 to 8 hectares, allowing for relatively larger plots than in other producing countries. Most producers cultivate Bourbon and Typica varieties, with an increasing presence of Caturra and other improved strains. Farmers typically use organic methods, with limited synthetic input use. Shade-grown systems are common, contributing to biodiversity conservation. Damage to crops from coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and the coffee borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampei) are concerns. Composting and organic amendments are used to improve soil fertility and to meet certification requirements.

Processing is generally decentralized: wet (washed) processing is done on individual farms, followed by sun-drying on patios or raised beds. Once dried, parchment coffee is transported to centralized warehouses and dry mills for hulling, grading, and export preparation. Quality control is typically managed at the cooperative or exporter level.

Bolivian coffee production is heavily oriented toward specialty and certified markets, including Fair Trade, Organic, and Small Producer Symbol (SPP). These certifications enable access to price premiums, which are often reinvested in farm-level inputs and training. The sector is supported by cooperatives, NGOs, and international buyers, focusing on quality improvement, traceability, and sustainable production. Despite a small global production share, Bolivia remains a niche origin in specialty coffee markets.