The Coffee Improvement Program, launched by Cornell University and World Coffee Research, aims to enhance the resilience and productivity of coffee smallholder growers globally. With over $5 million in funding from USAID, this initiative addresses the challenges posed by climate change and limited agricultural innovation. Smallholder farmers, who produce 60% of the world’s coffee, are at risk due to these factors, threatening their livelihoods and the coffee supply chain. The program will focus on developing resilient coffee varieties and improving seed systems to ensure better access to high-quality planting materials.
• The program will create advanced breeding tools to improve coffee varieties, focusing on disease resistance and sensory quality.
• Training will be provided to national coffee breeding programs in nine producing countries to enhance their efficiency and response to challenges.
• A case study will assess seed supply and demand to improve access to quality seeds for smallholder farmers.
• The initiative builds on previous investments in coffee breeding and aims to modernize the industry.
This program is crucial for the future of coffee farming. It not only supports smallholder farmers but also contributes to the global coffee supply chain. By ensuring the resilience of these farmers, the program helps stabilize local economies and meet consumer demands for diverse coffee flavors. The collaboration between public and private sectors highlights the importance of innovation in agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.
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