Climate change puts the future of coffee at risk

We are experiencing an increasing number of heat waves, heavy rains, and dry days. Climate change is clearly being felt all over the world. But this does not only affect the climate. These extreme weather conditions also have economic and social consequences. Did you know that the disrupted climatic patterns also affect the daily lives of millions of food producers, mainly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa?

Coffee cultivation is severely affected by the irregular climate

With the ‘Save Coffee’ campaign, Fairtrade Belgium wants to draw more attention to the impact of irregular weather conditions on coffee cultivation. Coffee plants are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. An average temperature increase of 1°C can reduce the production of coffee berries by a quarter. Brazil and Vietnam, the main production countries, are hit especially hard.

Due to climatic problems, by 2050 about 50% less land will be suitable for growing Arabica and Robusta coffee, even if greenhouse gas emissions remain limited. In addition, world market prices remain under pressure, making it difficult for farmers to make a decent living from their work, let alone invest in cultivation techniques that make their plants more resilient to climate change.

Around 100 million people try to make a living from coffee cultivation and as many as 44% of coffee farmers live below the poverty line. If we want to save coffee farming, we must ensure that coffee farmers have the means to adapt to what the future holds. Only then can they adapt to climate change and invest in more robust production methods.

What does Fairtrade do for the coffee farmers?

The Fairtrade minimum price and premium ensure that coffee farmers receive a decent and stable income. This enables them to plan for the future and invest in sustainable cultivation techniques.

In addition, Fairtrade also has strict environmental values. Each cooperative has a specific ‘climate action plan’. In addition, dangerous pesticides are prohibited to protect natural resources, and about half of the Fairtrade certified coffee is also certified organic. Did you know that Fairtrade also organises numerous training courses and programmes for producers? This way Fairtrade not only invests in climate adaptation but also in the resilience of coffee farmers. Coffee producers feel protected and regain confidence in the market.

Avoid empty cups and take action

Today in Belgium about 105 coffee brands have the Fairtrade label. This represents 5% of the market. So there is plenty of room for growth, which requires the commitment of all players in the coffee market. Do you want to help build a better future for coffee farmers? Choose Fairtrade-certified coffee and do your bit for more sustainable and climate-resistant coffee cultivation.

Amber De Groote