The Dominican Republic is on the brink of losing its most promising coffee harvest in a decade, jeopardizing over RD$6 billion in potential income for coffee-producing families. This year, farmers anticipate producing more than 300,000 quintals of coffee—the highest yield since 2013—coinciding with historic highs in international coffee prices, where a quintal is valued at RD$21,500. However, a severe labor shortage threatens to derail this economic boon. In the southern region alone, producers expect over 120,000 quintals, but many fear the crop could spoil due to insufficient workers for harvesting. Traditionally reliant on Haitian laborers, farmers now face restrictions that have left them without viable alternatives. Compounding the crisis, heavy rains in October have accelerated the ripening process, heightening the urgency. Producers are criticizing the government for its inaction, highlighting that neither the Dominican Coffee Institute (INDOCAFE) nor the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented contingency measures. ‘Every pound of coffee that falls to the ground represents 21 pesos lost forever,’ lamented one grower, warning that without immediate intervention, this golden opportunity for rural communities could turn into an economic disaster.