Yunnan Agricultural University's College of Tropical Crops is spearheading China's first undergraduate degree in coffee science and engineering, a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Ministry of Education. The comprehensive four-year program will cover a wide array of subjects including coffee flavor chemistry, quality testing, processing, factory design, environmental protection, and global coffee trade. China, the 13th largest coffee producer globally, mainly grows its coffee in Yunnan province, which boasts a climate similar to Ethiopia's. The province's 84,600 hectares yield approximately 114,000 tonnes of raw coffee beans annually, valued at $5.7 billion. The new degree aims to bridge the gap between coffee production and research and development, a disconnect noted by Yang Xuehu, dean of the College of Tropical Crops. The program is also seen as a strategic move to address the talent and technology deficit faced by local coffee farmers. The curriculum will encompass the entire coffee production pipeline, including decaffeination techniques. This initiative aligns with global trends, with specialized coffee studies also offered in Switzerland and the U.S. Yunnan Agricultural University further plans to enhance the program through international internships and exchanges, emphasizing a global perspective on coffee science and engineering.
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