Just above the calienta zone lies a zone of cooler temperatures, the tierra templada, that extends to about 6,000 feet (1,850 meters). Temperatures there range from 65 to 75 degrees (17 to 22 degrees Celsius), and the commercial crop that dominates the landscape is coffee. It is grown on large plantations called fazendas. Brazil, the largest South American coffee producer, exports about one-quarter of the world's coffee, producing nearly forty million bags of about 132 pounds each (60 kilograms) annually. Colombia is South America's second-largest coffee producer. Coffee was once the leading export from Colombia, but as a result of a coffee-worm infestation and lower world prices, other products are taking the lead.
Other commercial crops from this zone include fresh fruit. In the central valley of Chile, grape vineyards and apple orchards have emerged. Produce from this region enters stores in the United States and elsewhere as the growing seasons of the domestic products are finishing up. Chilean grapes, apples, peaches, and plums are now sold worldwide. Corn and wheat are also grown in this zone. These staple foods are produced for local consumption and sold only at local markets.
See also: River Lowlands, Coastal Lowlands
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