BRAZIL
Rains throughout the southern half of Brazil’s arabica coffee region have prompted early flowering and a possible early 2017 harvest, Reuters reports.
Some experts caution, however, that dry days and an expected La Nina weather pattern could put an end to early optimism.
The rains in mid-August fell across southeast Brazil and brought about the unexpected flowering two weeks earlier than normal, according to Reuters. The blooms could indicate a 2017 harvest as early as March. Flowering in the region typically occurs from late September through November.
But if La Nina brings dry weather between now and December, the early flowers and the subsequent crop may be lost.
"I'm not sure the coffee from these blooms will amount to much. It's very early," agronomist Ezelino Tessarini told Reuters.