The impact of climate change on coffee production is severe, especially for small-scale farmers. These farmers lack the resources to adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather. To combat this, Cornell University and World Coffee Research have launched the Coffee Improvement Program. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience and productivity of coffee farmers worldwide.
• The program has received over $5 million from USAID to support more than 12 million smallholder coffee farmers globally.
• It focuses on developing new, resilient coffee varieties that can withstand climate challenges.
• The plan includes creating advanced breeding and evaluation tools to combat diseases affecting coffee plants.
• The initiative will also improve seed access and assess supply and demand for coffee seeds in nine countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Addressing climate change is crucial for the future of coffee and the livelihoods of millions. Initiatives like this provide a pathway for farmers to adapt and thrive despite environmental challenges. They represent hope for a sustainable coffee industry in an uncertain future.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.