Starbucks, in partnership with the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC), has successfully distributed 55.7 million coffee seedlings to Colombian coffee growers as part of a significant initiative aimed at supporting local coffee production. The project, known as Fincas C.A.F.E. Practices Más Productivas, concluded recently, having exceeded its initial target of 23 million seedlings. The initiative, which was expanded in April 2022 to include an additional 22 million seedlings, has proven to be a major step in improving the sustainability of Colombian coffee farms.
Supporting Farmers with Rust-Resistant Varieties
The primary objective of the project was to provide Colombian farmers with seedlings of rust- and coffee berry disease-resistant coffee varieties. These resilient varieties are essential for renovating coffee plots affected by climate change and disease, ensuring the future productivity of the farms.
Starbucks invested a total of US$7.2 million over four years in this initiative, which has already benefited more than 17,000 coffee growers in 17 departments across Colombia. The project helped renew over 7,200 hectares of coffee farmland, enabling farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and increase farm productivity.
Germán Bahamón, General Manager of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, emphasized the impact of the program: “This joint project has helped coffee growers in 17 departments enhance the sustainability of their farms with resistant varieties. By guaranteeing access to high-quality, traceable plant material, we provide a vital resource to combat climate change, improve long-term productivity, and ensure a sustainable future for coffee.”
Beyond Seedlings: Support with Fertiliser and Resources
In addition to distributing coffee seedlings, the project also provided farmers with free fertiliser to help ensure the healthy growth of the new plants during their early stages. This additional support encouraged farmers to continue renovating their coffee farms, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The fertiliser helped ensure the long-term viability of the coffee plots, boosting both their productivity and profitability.
The Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Manizales, Colombia, which opened in 2012, played a crucial role in overseeing the project. The center provided ongoing resources, training, and support for local farmers and was key in monitoring the distribution of seedlings and fertiliser. The project also saw the participation of 12 Starbucks exporters and suppliers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable coffee sourcing.
A Commitment to Sustainability and the Future of Coffee
Starbucks’ collaboration with the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation reflects the company’s broader commitment to the future of the coffee industry. By focusing on improving the productivity and sustainability of coffee farms in Colombia, the project aims to support the resilience of the country’s coffee-growing communities and ensure that high-quality coffee remains a sustainable industry for generations to come.
As the global coffee market continues to face challenges related to climate change and shifting agricultural conditions, programs like Fincas C.A.F.E. Practices Más Productivas are playing a critical role in strengthening the long-term sustainability of the coffee supply chain.
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