The coffee stain: A brief environmental history of coffee cultivation in the state of Veracruz

Abstract

The study analyzed the development of coffee cultivation in Veracruz during the 20th century, highlighting its impact on the economy, society and the environment. From the end of the 19th century, coffee production expanded rapidly, becoming one of the main economic activities in the state. Córdoba was the first city to grow coffee trees, followed by Xalapa and Coatepec, consolidating a production network that positioned Veracruz coffee in the national and international market.
The climatic and geographical conditions of Veracruz favored coffee cultivation, with regions of humid and temperate climate that ensured a successful harvest. However, the industrialization of the processing required large amounts of water, generating a considerable ecological impact. The introduction of capitalist production systems in the 20th century led to the expansion of crops and soil degradation, affecting the environmental balance.
The study also examined the relationship between coffee farming and migration, noting that the expansion of crops attracted day laborers from nearby communities, which encouraged urban growth. Over time, the climate crisis and global competition affected production, forcing coffee growers to replace their crops with more profitable ones such as citrus and bananas.
The article concluded that coffee growing played a central role in the economic and environmental history of Veracruz, influencing the transformation of the landscape and land use.