The head of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization is calling for a complete transformation of the global coffee industry to help millions of struggling farmers. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu says urgent changes are needed to make the coffee sector more fair and sustainable.
More than 25 million farmers worldwide depend on coffee for their income. Most of these are small farmers who own tiny plots of land. About 5.5 million coffee farmers live on less than $3.20 per day, which shows how broken the current system is. Coffee sustainability and farmer livelihoods have become major concerns as these workers struggle to make ends meet. Globally, the coffee industry has a significant economic impact on job creation and livelihoods, which is why reforms are crucial.
Over 25 million coffee farmers worldwide struggle daily, with 5.5 million earning less than $3.20 per day.
The coffee industry faces serious problems that threaten its future. Climate change is making it harder to grow coffee beans, while pests and diseases destroy crops. Up to 50% of areas currently used for growing coffee may no longer be suitable for production by 2050. Coffee prices go up and down wildly, making it impossible for farmers to plan ahead or earn steady money. Many countries that grow coffee rely heavily on these exports for their national income, as over 10.5 million tons of coffee are produced annually.
Coffee production is worth about $15 billion globally each year. The crop isn’t just important for money – it’s also tied to local cultures and traditions in farming communities around the world. When coffee farmers struggle, entire rural areas suffer.
The FAO chief wants to fix these problems through several key changes. Initially, coffee farms need to become more resistant to climate change. Subsequently, markets must become more stable so farmers can count on fair prices. Lastly, small farmers need better access to investment and resources.
Ultimately, countries and organizations must work together to share knowledge and new farming techniques. Smallholder producers contribute significantly to global coffee output despite facing numerous challenges.
Regional groups are already taking action. Thirty-three Latin American and Caribbean countries have formed the CELAC Fair and Permanent Coffee Forum. This group works to create better trade deals and promote high-quality coffee products from the region.
The FAO believes fixing the coffee industry is part of a larger effort to transform how the world grows and distributes food. The organization says these changes will help protect both farming communities and the environment for future generations.
