Coffee was first cultivated in El Salvador in the early 19th century. There were many incentives for coffee production such as tax breaks, exemption from military service for coffee workers, and elimination of export duties for new producers. As a result, by the 1880’s coffee had become virtually the sole export crop. Unfortunately, in recent years, following civil war, natural disasters and government interference, the coffee industry in El Salvador has suffered. Since 2000, the country has found it difficult to keep up with increased competition in the world market, but with new producers looking at new practices coming into the picture, the future is looking brighter.
