How speciality coffee is making a difference for Columbian coffee farmers
Colombia is famous for its coffee, but not all coffee is created equal. Speciality coffee, made from carefully selected and roasted beans, has become increasingly popular in recent years. And it’s not just the taste that’s driving demand – speciality coffee is also having a positive impact on the lives of Colombian farmers.
Here are just a few ways that speciality coffee is making a difference:
Increased Incomes
One of the biggest benefits of speciality coffee is the higher prices it commands. Because speciality coffee is produced in smaller quantities and with more care, it can fetch a premium price. This means that farmers who produce speciality coffee can earn more money per pound of coffee than they would for commodity coffee.
For Colombian farmers, this can be life-changing. Many coffee farmers in Colombia are small-scale, with just a few acres of land. By producing speciality coffee, they can earn enough to support their families and reinvest in their farms.
Improved Quality of Life
In addition to higher incomes, speciality coffee can also lead to a better quality of life for farmers. With more money in their pockets, farmers can afford to invest in things like education and healthcare for themselves and their families.
Speciality coffee can also help farmers improve their farms. By investing in better equipment and farming practices, they can increase their yields and produce even better coffee in the future. This can create a cycle of continuous improvement that benefits both the farmers and the coffee industry as a whole.
Conservation of Natural Resources
Finally, speciality coffee can help promote the conservation of natural resources. Because speciality coffee is produced with more care, it’s often grown using more sustainable farming practices. This can include things like using organic fertilisers, conserving water, and preserving wildlife habitat.
By promoting these practices, speciality coffee can help protect the environment and ensure that the land remains healthy and productive for future generations.
Conclusion
Speciality coffee is more than just a trendy drink – it’s also a way to support Colombian farmers and promote sustainable farming practices. By choosing to buy speciality coffee, you can help make a positive impact on the lives of farmers and the environment. So next time you’re shopping for coffee, consider choosing a speciality blend – you’ll be making a difference with every sip.
- References:
Specialty Coffee Association of America. (2014). The Definition of Specialty Coffee.
The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation. (n.d.). About Colombian Coffee.