Three-day rains in Brazil’s Southeast disrupt coffee harvest and raise disease risk

Three consecutive days of rain from June 11 to June 13 hit key coffee-growing areas in Southeast Brazil, including Minas Gerais, during the Southern Hemisphere’s typically dry winter harvest season. The downpours paused field picking, soaked coffee laid out to dry and caused about 10% of berries to drop from trees. The excess moisture increases the risk of bacterial and fungal disease, and fungicides cannot be applied during harvesting. Forecasts show more rain through late June and into July, which could further squeeze the harvest window and affect quality, according to Reuters.