Selling coffee as cherry is gaining traction among smallholder farmers in regions with limited access to processing facilities. This practice allows for quicker cash flow and reduces the need for costly processing setups. However, while it may seem beneficial in the short term, there are significant long-term drawbacks that can negatively impact producers' financial stability and bargaining power. Experts argue that selling parchment coffee, which involves processing the cherries into green beans, typically offers better returns and improves the quality of life for farmers.
• Selling coffee as cherry provides immediate cash flow for smallholders.
• It reduces processing risks and costs but often leads to lower overall profits.
• Producers lose value addition opportunities, impacting their long-term financial resilience.
• Buying in cherry can commoditize specialty coffee, affecting quality and traceability.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial as the coffee market faces rising prices. While buying cherry may seem like a cost-saving strategy for traders, it can exacerbate poverty among producers and limit their growth potential. A balanced approach that considers the needs of farmers is essential for a sustainable coffee industry.
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