Coffee companies love to fund projects that look good in press releases and impact reports. However, corporate philanthropy is mostly a shield to deflect criticism, protect power, and avoid regulation
As a small coffee producer / exporter I'd have to agree with your overall analysis. I don't think it's fair however to characterise all corporate coffee players as rolling in profits extracted from farmers. Sustainable Harvest is one example - seemed to do pretty good in their farmer relationships then go into financial trouble last year before being acquired by Sucafina.
Current prices of course are far better than the past - currently 250c/ lb for December 2024 contract. While highest prices on record are being enjoyed by farmers in Timor-Leste where I work this has minimal impact on farmer livelihoods due to small 1 ha land holdings and very poor yields (eg. Say 150 kg green bean per ha).
There's a huge gaps between best practice / optimal yield and current practice/ yield. To close the gap needs investment well beyond that afforded by coffee farmers or upstream traders. Diversification beyond coffee is also needed.
Would be good to know more about places/ producers and companies that are achieving success in restoring sustainable livelihoods for producers.
As a small coffee producer / exporter I'd have to agree with your overall analysis. I don't think it's fair however to characterise all corporate coffee players as rolling in profits extracted from farmers. Sustainable Harvest is one example - seemed to do pretty good in their farmer relationships then go into financial trouble last year before being acquired by Sucafina.
Current prices of course are far better than the past - currently 250c/ lb for December 2024 contract. While highest prices on record are being enjoyed by farmers in Timor-Leste where I work this has minimal impact on farmer livelihoods due to small 1 ha land holdings and very poor yields (eg. Say 150 kg green bean per ha).
There's a huge gaps between best practice / optimal yield and current practice/ yield. To close the gap needs investment well beyond that afforded by coffee farmers or upstream traders. Diversification beyond coffee is also needed.
Would be good to know more about places/ producers and companies that are achieving success in restoring sustainable livelihoods for producers.