xpost: Global coffee shortage predicted as Brazil struggles with drought

[phantom power]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014737219

With a severe drought in the coffee-producing powerhouse of Brazil, analysts are warning about an impending global coffee shortage, according to a recent report in The Washington Post.

The Associated Press reported that more than 140 cities in Brazil, which produces about a third of the world's coffee, are rationing water. Crops from corn to coffee to sugar are hurting. The dry conditions mean growers in Brazil will harvest 53 million bags of coffee this year, down from the potential of 56 million to 58 million bags, according to a Bloomberg report today.

As of now, retail prices are stable because roasters keep a few months supply of beans in stock, according to the Post. But consumers could see the price of a cup of joe at their local coffee shop go up if the Arabica prices continue to climb.

Bloomberg Businessweek noted that after 2 1/2 years of declines, coffee futures are rising, up 43 percent since the end of January. According to Reuters, Arabica coffee posted its biggest weekly surge in prices in more than a decade last week.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/global_coffee_shortage_predict.html#incart_river_default

[hunter]

1. I'd like to grow something as tasty at home...

... my caffeine addiction is strong.

Does anyone know of a plant that grows like a weed with caffeine that tastes as good as coffee?

Hmmm, I wonder if I could breed something or change my addiction...