US Funds Research to Stop Deadly Coffee Rust Fungus

Coffee lovers may not see the fungus, but they’re paying for it. A deadly plant disease called coffee leaf rust has already wiped out crops worth over $1 billion across Latin America—and it’s threatening your next cup of specialty coffee.

The US government is putting $500,000 into fighting the fungus, partnering with Texas A&M University’s World Coffee Research center to protect Arabica beans, the foundation of high-quality and specialty coffee.

What Is Coffee Leaf Rust?

Also known as coffee rust, this fungal disease attacks the leaves of coffee plants—especially Arabica varieties, which are grown for premium and specialty coffee. The infection causes yellow-orange spots on leaves, weakens the plant, and can kill coffee trees if untreated. It doesn’t affect Robusta beans as severely.

Why This Fungus Is a Global Problem

Latin America has lost more than $1 billion (approximately 6.23 billion yuan) due to coffee rust outbreaks. Since Arabica beans are widely used for specialty and high-end coffee—including many single-origin and microlot coffees—the reduced supply contributes to higher global coffee prices. The disease has hit farms across Central America particularly hard.

How the US Is Responding

On May 19, 2024, USAID Administrator Samantha Power is set to announce a $500,000 grant. This funding will support collaboration between the US Agency for International Development and Texas A&M University’s World Coffee Research. Their goal is to develop strategies and solutions to eliminate or control coffee rust, helping protect farmers and stabilize the market for high-quality beans.

Why Arabica Coffee Is Most at Risk

Arabica coffee, the bean used in most specialty and single-origin brews, is far more vulnerable to coffee rust than Robusta. Its thinner leaves and slower growth make it harder for plants to resist or recover from infection. That’s why this disease hits high-end coffee production especially hard, driving up costs for farmers and consumers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coffee rust and why is it dangerous?

Coffee rust is a fungal disease that infects coffee plant leaves, especially those of Arabica plants. It creates yellow-orange lesions, weakens the tree, reduces yield, and can kill the plant. It’s dangerous because it destroys high-quality coffee crops that are essential for specialty coffee production.

How much damage has coffee rust caused in Latin America?

Coffee rust has caused more than $1 billion in losses across Latin America, severely impacting coffee farmers and contributing to higher coffee prices globally.

Which coffee species is most affected by coffee rust?

Arabica coffee is the most affected, as it is more vulnerable to the fungus compared to Robusta. Arabica is the primary bean used in specialty and single-origin coffees.

What is the US doing to fight coffee rust?

The US government, through USAID, is providing $500,000 to partner with Texas A&M University’s World Coffee Research to find ways to eliminate or control the fungus and support affected farmers.

How does coffee rust affect coffee prices?

By reducing the supply of healthy Arabica beans, especially in Central America, coffee rust contributes to lower yields and higher prices for specialty and single-origin coffees worldwide.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Rust-Resistant Arabica

For coffee fans concerned about rust’s impact on quality, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: bright, floral, and citrusy with notes of bergamot and jasmine. Or explore their Colombia Huila Gesha—known for its complex profile of tropical fruit, black tea, and honey. Both are 100% Arabica and grown in regions working to preserve rust-resistant cultivars. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.