The word sustainability appears almost everywhere but when it comes to taking a move towards sustainability, few industries can grasp the concept and work towards it. The Colombian coffee industry not only hopes to boost the prospect of exports but also incorporate inclusive and sustainable production practices in its value chain. Colombian Coffee: Mecatos Bakery & Café Waterford Lakes
Moreover, coffee farming is a critical economic driver in the country. The industry experts have pledged in making coffee production sustainable in a couple of years and the first course of action they have taken is to understand sustainability in all the coffee supply chains. Colombian Breakfast: Mecatos Cafe & Bakery in Orlando
The 2 Big Roles of Colombian Coffee in Sustainable Farming Practices
Why is sustainability important for Colombian coffee production?
Did you know that over 50 percent of municipalities across Columbia are engaged in coffee production and around four million people are depending on the income it produces? Also, coffee producers work as smallholder farmers. This suggests that coffee is of vital significance in Columbia. And sustainability in the industry is critical for the land and the people involved in the production process. Otherwise, many of them would be compelled to give up their traditional farming. Colombian Bakery: Mecatos Bakery & Café Waterford Lakes
According to the Colombian Coffee Federation, around 42 percent of farms in Columbia are equipped with sustainable practices and certification. But they are aiming to increase the figure in the coming years. It’s also worth noting that a major percentage of coffee producers have opted for sustainable practices but have not received certification owing to a lack of funds or other resources.
What does sustainability mean for the coffee industry?
From a general perspective, sustainability refers to the practice of catering to the demands of the present without affecting the supply for the future. Even though the concept is very simple, when it comes to practice, hordes of complexities are bound to arise.
For coffee farming in Columbia, sustainability refers to the reuse of coffee husks as fuel rather than cutting down trees, filtering water using fermentation tanks, and using organic fertilizers for coffee plantations. It also extends to designing educational opportunities, medical care, reliable working conditions, and decent remuneration for the employees.
At present, FNC is working with the top coffee institutions and experts for designing a Code of Conduct to be followed across Columbia. FNC will also conduct forums with production experts, farmers, educators, and exporters. As these sectors will be involved, a grand level of sustainability will aid Columbian coffee producers to preserve their coffee farms. This is particularly crucial with global warming and climate changes affecting coffee production in Columbia.
Final words
Becoming sustainable is not just a goal but a significant leap for coffee production in Colombia. As the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) approaches in 2027, it presents a perfect opportunity for the country to prioritize sustainability in its coffee industry.
Colombia, renowned for its high-quality coffee, faces the challenge of navigating a volatile global coffee market where prices have experienced a downward trend in recent years. However, the country is determined to overcome this challenge by revolutionizing its planting techniques and focusing on producing premium, sustainably sourced coffee that meets the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.
By embracing sustainable practices, Colombia aims to not only safeguard its coffee production for the future but also contribute to the global movement towards a more sustainable and responsible coffee industry. This commitment to sustainability not only ensures the preservation of Colombia’s rich coffee heritage but also enables consumers worldwide to enjoy ethically produced and environmentally friendly coffee.
