In the Soconusco region of Chiapas, small cocoa producers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the severe drought that has hit Mexico. The collapse of their harvests has prevented them from taking advantage of the historic international prices recorded for cocoa, leaving them feeling frustrated and alarmed.
Ismael Gómez, a small producer from Soconusco, explains that the drought has severely impacted production, along with a fungus that is affecting the crops. Despite being one of the best in the world, the region is experiencing very low production levels due to these challenges. In Mexico, cocoa is only grown in three states, with Tabasco being the main producer followed by Chiapas and Guerrero.
The deficit in cocoa supply has led to high prices seen in international markets. The International Cocoa Organization predicts a supply deficit for the 2023-2024 season and warns that more damage may be on its way. In Mexico, low production is attributed to both drought and Moniliasis fungus that affects the fruit. Small producers like Florencio Velázquez Bravo are struggling to maintain production levels and face challenges selling their cocoa to intermediaries at prices lower than what it actually costs.
The cocoa crisis in Soconusco is not isolated as other crops such as coffee, mango, watermelon, banana, and corn are also affected by drought in the region. Small producers are calling for government intervention and support to help them navigate through these challenging times. Despite facing obstacles they remain resilient and hopeful for better times ahead.
In addition to this crisis facing small producers of cocoa from Soconusco region of Chiapas have been severely impacted by climate change which causes prolonged droughts that affect not only their livelihood but also other crops grown in this area like coffee and fruits.
This article discusses how small producers in Soconusco are facing challenges due to severe drought affecting their cocoa production levels which prevents them from benefiting from high international prices recorded for cocoa recently reaching an unprecedented level of $10k per metric ton.
Ismael Gómez highlights how this challenge has significantly affected their ability to produce quality beans which makes it difficult for farmers like him to sell his products at higher prices.
Furthermore, he mentions how this crisis isn’t isolated as other crops such as coffee have also been affected by climate change causing prolonged droughts affecting not only their livelihood but also other crops grown in this area like coffee and fruits.
