More than a sustainability buzzword, regenerative agriculture is a transformative agricultural approach that can offer environmental sustainability to coffee production – and it's gaining traction in the coffee industry. But beyond environmental sustainability and consumer demand, there may be other reasons why businesses are investing.
Mandatory minimum price advocates argue it will bring more stability to coffee farmers' livelihoods. However, the reality is more nuanced than that, as challenges lie in reaching consensus and adapting to differing contexts.
Coffee farmers are typically paid once a year when they sell their harvest. However, the period between harvests can be unpredictable and they often require some form of finance – but this can be difficult to secure for a number of reasons.
Between 2008 and 2011, a coffee leaf rust outbreak ravaged production in Colombia – were pyramid schemes responsible?
Today, experimental processing is used not only for exotic varieties, but also traditional ones, where it is used to diversify characteristics and add value. But is it accessible to all farmers?
Coffee production in Colombia continues to rely heavily on the contribution of women – so why are so few in decision-making roles?
