Rwanda to host 3rd World Coffee Producers Forum

Rwanda is set to become the host of the 3rd World Coffee Producers Forum in July 2021, as a platform to address the challenges facing coffee growers globally. The push for economic sustainability within the coffee industry has brought together producers from all corners of the world to seek solutions to common issues such as low prices and the struggle to increase productivity. The focus is on ensuring that coffee farmers not only cover their production costs but also turn a profit, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and provide a better future for their children. The initiative was born out of the first-ever meeting of coffee producers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in early 2016. Juan Orduz, President of the Colombia Coffee Federation, emphasized the importance of collaboration among producers to tackle shared challenges and advocate for better incomes. The inaugural meeting in Medellin in 2017 saw the participation of 1,500 individuals from 44 countries, underscoring the global significance of the forum. The gathering in Medellin drew attention from key figures such as former President Bill Clinton and involved collaboration with Columbia University to research and develop strategies for the economic sustainability of small coffee producers. Notably, Jeffrey Sachs, known for his work on sustainable development goals, is leading efforts to enhance the income of coffee farmers worldwide. Orduz highlighted the disparity between consumer prices for coffee and the meager share that actually reaches the producers. While market dynamics largely determine prices, he underscored the importance of rewarding quality and sustainable practices. The forum aims not to regulate prices but to advocate for fair compensation for producers, considering the valuable efforts they invest in environmental and social sustainability. Speaking on the role of industry players, Orduz stressed the need for companies to incorporate economic sustainability into their practices and support initiatives that prioritize the well-being of coffee growers. By addressing poverty within producer communities through improved incomes, a positive ripple effect can be achieved, benefitting both people and the environment. Moreover, the coffee industry faces a challenge in boosting consumption to match production levels. Orduz pointed out significant variations in coffee consumption across different regions, with countries like Brazil consuming vastly different amounts compared to European nations. Encouraging increased consumption globally is crucial to balancing the supply-demand equation and securing a prosperous future for coffee producers. In conclusion, the 3rd World Coffee Producers Forum presents a pivotal opportunity to drive meaningful change within the industry, emphasizing economic sustainability, fair compensation, and increased consumption as key pillars for a more robust and equitable coffee value chain.