This orange colored fungus is called coffee rust, and it's eating away at coffee crop across Central America.
Now, USAID is announcing a new 5 million dollar investment and partnership with Texas A&M University to fight the problem plaguing the coffee industry.
USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah explains.
(SOUNDBITE) USAID ADMINISTRATOR RAJIV SHAH SAYING:
"Since 2010, coffee rust, which is a disease, a fungus that attacks the coffee tree, has dramatically reduced coffee output on small farms in Central America, and in Latin America."
It's not only a blow to producers. Experts say a fall in production would mean higher prices for a cup of coffee.
Perhaps even more worrisome is the livelihoods of those who depend on the crop to survive.
(SOUNDBITE) USAID ADMINISTRATOR RAJIV SHAH SAYING:
"Coffee rust is affecting, and potentially could affect 500,000 small scale farmers, and push them back under the poverty line. As a result, their children coul
Now, USAID is announcing a new 5 million dollar investment and partnership with Texas A&M University to fight the problem plaguing the coffee industry.
USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah explains.
(SOUNDBITE) USAID ADMINISTRATOR RAJIV SHAH SAYING:
"Since 2010, coffee rust, which is a disease, a fungus that attacks the coffee tree, has dramatically reduced coffee output on small farms in Central America, and in Latin America."
It's not only a blow to producers. Experts say a fall in production would mean higher prices for a cup of coffee.
Perhaps even more worrisome is the livelihoods of those who depend on the crop to survive.
(SOUNDBITE) USAID ADMINISTRATOR RAJIV SHAH SAYING:
"Coffee rust is affecting, and potentially could affect 500,000 small scale farmers, and push them back under the poverty line. As a result, their children coul
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