Tension between Coffee Tradition and Mining Industry: The Case of Jericó, Colombia

The tension between tradition and modernity, between coffee culture and mining interests, has come to a head in the picturesque town of Jericó. Known for its rich coffee heritage and stunning landscapes, Jericó has found itself at the center of a heated debate between the local coffee farmers and the multinational mining company AngloGold Ashanti.

The recent controversy surrounding the sponsorship of the “Cafestival” event by AngloGold Ashanti has highlighted the deep-rooted concerns of the community. The Comité de Cafeteros de Jericó, representing the local coffee farmers, has expressed their strong opposition to the presence of the mining company in the festival. They argue that AngloGold Ashanti poses a serious threat to the identity of Jericó as a coffee-producing region and to the environment as a whole.

The response from the local government has added another layer of complexity to the situation. While the municipality of Jericó claims not to be directly involved in organizing the event, questions have been raised about the role of the Gobernación de Antioquia, which is listed as one of the sponsors. The lack of involvement of the Comité de Cafeteros in the planning of the event has further fueled the tensions between the different stakeholders.

At the heart of this conflict lies a fundamental question: can the preservation of the coffee culture and landscape of Jericó coexist with the interests of a multinational mining company? The upcoming approval of a law that aims to protect the Paisaje Cultural Cafetero in the region has brought this question to the forefront, highlighting the need to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

In the midst of this controversy, it is important to remember the unique qualities of Jericó’s coffee. The Milagrosa Single Estate, with its single origin beans and small batch roasting, offers a premium specialty coffee experience. Grown at an altitude of 2000 meters, the coffee from Jericó is known for its sweetness and delicious flavor, making it a true gem of the region.

As the debate continues to unfold, it is clear that the future of Jericó hangs in the balance. Will the town be able to preserve its coffee heritage and natural beauty, or will it succumb to the pressures of industrial development? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the people of Jericó are determined to fight for their way of life and protect the land that sustains them.