A technical workshop focused on coffee cultivation will take place at the Experimental Station for Tropical Crops of Inta Yuto on April 9. The event is aimed at producers, students, and anyone interested in starting this emerging activity.
The workshop seeks to address the entire coffee production chain, from nursery management and planting to harvesting and roasting. Jorge Wallberg, an agronomist and researcher at Inta Yuto, said, “The idea is that we cover what a coffee nursery is, planting, management throughout the productive stage, harvesting and also roasting processes, which are a very important part.”
Specialists will present during the event. Tomás Cortés will discuss varietal selection and characteristics of different types of coffee as well as provide historical context about coffee growing in Argentina. Wallberg said that there were already coffee productions in Argentina during the 1800s that were shipped to Buenos Aires: “These are surprising facts that show it is not a completely new activity.”
Margarita Jaramillo, a Colombian specialist based in Tucumán, will focus on agronomic management including pests, diseases, irrigation and fertilization. Florencia Paz will speak about industrial processing of beans: “Quality is achieved not only in the field but also during roasting and preparation; all this influences the final product,” she said.
A highlight of the day will be testimony from Graciela Ortiz de Balut from Finca Baritú who has produced coffee near Salta’s border with Bolivia: “Until recently she was the only coffee producer in the country with around 30 hectares in a very particular area. It’s a valuable experience we want people to know,” Wallberg said.
Wallberg added that Argentina spends around $500 million annually importing coffee products: “This gives us hope that we can generate jobs and develop northern Argentina; it’s a concrete opportunity if public and private sectors work together.” Trials are underway with seven to ten varieties of different origins while some producers experiment with small plots.
The open invitation targets both those seeking diversification opportunities as well as enthusiasts wanting more information about local possibilities for cultivating or enjoying quality Argentine-grown coffee.
