UN: Climate threatens livelihood of 25 million coffee farmers – 03/11/2024 – Café na Prensa

Climate change poses a “significant threat” to the livelihoods of around 25 million coffee producers, as well as other actors in the commodity’s global value chain, tells the Coffee in the Press Maximo Torero, chief economist at FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

Torero states that there are agricultural techniques and practices capable of helping to adapt to the impact of climate change, but that small farmers need technical and financial support to invest in these measures.

“Due to changes in climatic conditions, both the productivity and quality of coffee are affected. Rising temperatures accelerate the ripening of coffee, leading to a drop in quality, while excessive heat during sensitive growth stages such as flowering or fruiting affects yields and favors the spread of pests and diseases”, says Torero in a written interview.

The economist says that agronomic techniques and genomic research aimed at developing varieties tolerant to climate stress are among the measures that can help. Furthermore, he states, good agricultural practices also contribute to preserving soil and water resources, adapting coffee production to global warming.

“However, farmers, especially small producers with limited access to resources, need technical and financial support to invest in adaptation measures, which can increase their resilience and contribute to the sustainability of the coffee sector,” he says.

Torero was in Brazil at the end of February for the meeting of G20 foreign ministers and accompanied the director general of the FAO, Qu Dongyu, on a visit to the headquarters of Abic (Brazilian Coffee Industry Association), where he was received by Pavel Cardoso and Celírio Inácio, respectively president and executive director of the entity that represents Brazilian coffee manufacturers.

Asked about the pressure exerted by agricultural sectors against environmental regulations, such as the protests that have taken place in the European Union, Torero says that it is necessary to ensure an honest income for rural producers, as only then will they be able to invest in climate actions.

“Farmers are the first impacted by environmental degradation; they have the most at stake and are most involved in managing the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend. They also need to be able to make a decent living from their activity, otherwise they will not be able to capable of investing in climate actions or continuing agriculture”, he says.

“Essential is also the role of farmers as guardians of natural resources and that of agriculture as a solution to climate change and environmental degradation. What needs to change is how we approach these challenges, how to involve farmers and other stakeholders, and also how economic value and efforts are shared.”

Regarding the impacts of the conflicts the world is experiencing, such as the attacks carried out by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, Torero says that “significant increases in global food prices on the scale we have seen in the last two years are unlikely.”

However, it states that “transport disruptions – not just in the Red Sea but also in the Panama Canal (due to droughts) – could impact the trade scenario as importing countries seek the most suitable origins to import when logistical costs and transport are considered”.

Asked about the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), Torero states that it should not be seen as a “non-tariff barrier” to imports and that, to fully achieve its objectives, the regulation requires a multifaceted and embracing. In other words, he says, it is also necessary to analyze its impact on issues such as poverty reduction, food security, security of land tenure and minority rights.

Finally, the economist explains that there are at least five dimensions in which climate change will impact agriculture: extreme temperatures; lack or excess of water; variability of climate indicators, which make farmers’ decisions more difficult; evolution of pests and diseases; and migration of species and humans.

Given this scenario, he states that there is still a lot to be done so that global agriculture is prepared to face the climate crisis and that financial resources are needed to implement adaptation measures. “Collaborative efforts on an international scale are crucial. Sharing information, technology and resources can contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to the impacts of climate change on agriculture.”

In this area, Brazil’s responsibility in this process is highlighted. “Brazil has a wealth of experience and, as host of the G20 presidency, has a unique platform to highlight its achievements and contribute to global discussions on critical issues.”

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