The future of coffee is in danger. From drought in Brazil to extreme weather in Vietnam, the volatility of the climate, mostly smallholders. How can we secure the future of coffee in light of these environmental and socioeconomic threats? This was discussed at a Round table organized at the United Nations Headquarters by Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024 to bring to international attention a crucial issue concerning the economy and the world of work that revolve around global coffee production.
“Since Expo 2015, we have worked tirelessly to build a framework that protects coffee for generations to come,” said Andrea Illy, co-chair of the Regenerative Society Foundation: “ Regenerative agriculture has been shown to produce high yields and quality while restoring natural resources. We need to act quickly to apply these solutions globally through an international fund. It is essential to implement regenerative solutions now, because they work very well and generate great results.”
Create a $10 billion public-private fund over the next decade that will target smallholder coffee farmers in tropical regions
During the discussion, attended by Jamil Ahmad, Director of the UNEP Office in New York; Andrea De Marco, Project Manager of UNIDO; Raina Lang, Senior Director of Sustainable Coffee of Conservation International; and Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization, all stakeholders unanimously stressed the urgent need to convert global coffee cultivation to a regenerative model to increase its resilience, improve farmers' livelihoods and reduce environmental impacts. Particular attention was paid to the need to create a $10 billion public-private fund over the next decade that will target smallholder coffee farmers in tropical regions severely affected by climate change.
Bottura: improving the act of drinking a cup of coffee, transforming it from a routine into a conscious act of support
Massimo Bottura, Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana and Casa Maria Luigia, founder of Food for Soul, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and SDG Advocate, expressed his vision. “Coffee is emotion. Coffee has the potential to embody heritage, quality and pleasure. We must improve the act of drinking a cup of coffee, transforming it – said Bottura – from a routine into a conscious act of support. This change has a direct and positive impact on those who produce and grow it, promoting a sustainable future for coffee-growing communities.”
“As we face the growing impacts of climate change, coffee-producing communities, especially smallholders in developing regions, are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their livelihoods and cultural heritage,” said Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization. “This fund, and the partnership it represents, is a critical step to building resilience, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and preserving the future of coffee. Together, through public-private partnerships and global commitment, we can enable these communities to adapt, thrive and continue sharing coffee with the world.”
The fund aims to support farmers in the transition to regenerative practices, ensuring the economic sustainability of the coffee industry.
“As a leader in food and sustainability, we have a responsibility to promote models that can guarantee vital food systems such as coffee”, said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “It was a privilege to moderate this important discussion and listen to the many sustainability thought leaders who participated.” The panel concluded with a strong message to the global coffee community, financial institutions, and individual consumers: Coffee-producing countries need significant investment and public-private cooperation to create scalable, resilient, and environmentally responsible farming practices. The planned fund aims to support farmers in the transition to regenerative practices, ensuring the economic sustainability of the coffee industry while addressing climate and social challenges.
