Starbucks is investing in two new innovation farms located in Costa Rica and Guatemala to enhance its coffee supply chain amid climate change threats. These farms will focus on researching hybrid coffee varieties that can withstand changing weather conditions. The Costa Rica farm will also experiment with drones and automation to help address labor shortages in the region. This move adds to Starbucks' existing innovation farms, with plans for further investments in Africa and Asia.
• Starbucks currently sources 3% of the world's coffee and is responding to rising temperatures that threaten coffee production.
• The company has already developed climate-resistant coffee varieties at its Hacienda Alsacia farm and distributed millions of seedlings to farmers.
• Global coffee demand is increasing, with daily consumption in the U.S. reaching a 20-year high.
• Starbucks aims for carbon-neutral green coffee by 2030, focusing on sustainability alongside productivity.
This initiative is crucial for ensuring a stable coffee supply in the face of climate change. By investing in research and development, Starbucks not only protects its business but also supports farmers in adapting to new challenges. This approach could lead to more sustainable coffee production globally, benefiting both the environment and coffee lovers everywhere.
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