Brewing a Sustainable Future
Brewing a Sustainable Future: How Cloud Picker Coffee Tackles Climate Change, Fair Wages and Agroforestry
At Cloud Picker Coffee, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our mission goes beyond roasting beans; we’re focused on improving the livelihoods of farmers, protecting the environment and ensuring fairness throughout the global coffee supply chain. Why? Because the future of coffee depends on it.
In this blog post, we’re diving into three major challenges in the coffee industry: agroforestry, living wages for farmers and the escalating effects of climate change. These issues are tightly intertwined and addressing them holistically is key to creating a sustainable future for coffee.
The Climate Crisis is Brewing for Coffee
Climate change is already hitting the coffee industry hard. Increased weather variability is affecting both the quality and quantity of coffee production. According to the 2023 Coffee Barometer, global Arabica coffee production could plummet by 45.2% due to climate change. That’s not just bad news for coffee lovers; it’s devastating for farmers, especially those already living on the edge financially.
But coffee can also be part of the climate solution. According to World Coffee Research, sustainable farming practices, like carbon sequestration through agroforestry, can help reduce emissions and make coffee production more resilient in the face of climate change.
Agroforestry: The Power of Trees and Coffee
Enter agroforestry – the game-changing farming practice that could revolutionise how coffee is grown. By integrating trees with coffee crops, agroforestry helps absorb more CO2 than traditional farming methods while also promoting biodiversity. When combined with regenerative practices, like using natural fertilizers, agroforestry not only sequesters carbon but also enhances soil health and reduces waste.
However, challenges remain. Mapping the carbon footprint of coffee production is tricky, particularly because 35% of CO2 emissions come from the use of fertilizers (SCA, 2022). Despite this, agroforestry is a critical piece of the puzzle in reducing the environmental impact of coffee farming.
Farmers Deserve More than a Fair Trade Sticker
Agroforestry doesn’t just benefit the environment – it offers economic advantages, too. By diversifying crops, farmers are less dependent on coffee alone, which improves food security and income stability. Yet, here’s the harsh reality: many farmers working in agroforestry systems still fall below the living income line.
While large-scale farms, like those in Brazil, can turn a profit, most smallholder farmers face significant challenges in earning a sustainable income (Enveritas, 2018). That’s why at Cloud Picker, we’re committed to advocating for fair compensation for all farmers, regardless of the size of their farm. A living income isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity if we want coffee production to thrive in the long term.
A Holistic Approach to Coffee’s Future
Improving farmers' livelihoods, combating climate change, and promoting agroforestry are all part of Cloud Picker Coffee’s holistic sustainability strategy. By supporting practices that benefit both the environment and farmers, we’re building a more resilient, fair, and eco-friendly coffee industry. We know the road is long, but the stakes are too high to ignore. Together, we can brew a better future – one cup at a time.
