Climate change is threatening the global supply of high-quality coffee. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and the spread of pests and diseases are already posing major challenges for coffee farmers. At HyCoffee, we combine practical agricultural knowledge with the latest scientific findings and actively contribute to making the coffee market fit for the future. Our aim is to ensure that coffee remains a reliable source of income for farmers.
Our coffees meet at least one of the following criteria:
Alternative coffee species
There are 133 known coffee species worldwide. Only Arabica and Robusta are currently used commercially. Many of the other coffee species, however, are naturally more resistant to factors such as heat or pests and thus offer great potential for climate change adaptation. At the same time, they play a vital role in preserving the sector's biodiversity and genetic diversity. Working alongside local research institutes and cooperatives, we conduct targeted research into the market potential of wild coffee varieties, invest in improved processing methods and thereby create access to the European market.
Resilient production systems
We work with coffee farmers who are already using farming methods designed to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as shade trees or regenerative agriculture. At the same time, we support farms that are still in the process of transitioning to help them gradually establish and implement such systems. At the same time, we support farms that are still in the process of transitioning by helping them to gradually develop and implement such systems. The focus is on the needs of the farmers: through training, knowledge-sharing and targeted investment, we support them on their journey towards more resilient farming systems. These help to better protect crops against heat, drought and heavy rain, and to enhance and protect soil fertility.
Climate-resilient varieties
We source coffee varieties that have been specifically developed to cope better with climate-related stresses such as drought, heat and increased pest and disease pressure. Such cultivars are the result of long-term research: resilient plants are identified, selectively crossed and bred over several generations until varieties emerge that are both robust and of high quality. These climate-resilient varieties help to stabilise yields, reduce crop failures and minimise the use of fertilizer and pestizides. At the same time, they ensure the quality that is crucial for the market.
How this benefits farmers
Coffee farmers are already feeling the effects of climate change . Climate-resilient coffee means that they can continue to grow coffee successfully even under changing conditions and thereby ensure stable incomes:
We jointly implement projects to boost climate resilience: We empower producers through training, access to resources and targeted investments, such as in new farming methods, improved varieties or alternative coffee species.
Direct trade and fair prices: Fluctuating and often excessively low prices make planning difficult and leave farms vulnerable to climate risks. Through direct trade, we ensure fair and stable prices, thereby laying the foundations for investment and greater planning security.
Ensuring long-term viability: Investment in climate-resilient coffee can secure the future of coffee farming.
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