January 29, 2025
Climate Challenges: Extreme weather—droughts and heatwaves in Brazil and Vietnam—has reduced coffee yields. Ethiopian farmers also face erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting harvest seasons, making coffee cultivation increasingly unpredictable.
Rising Costs: Farmers are paying more for labor, fertilizers, and climate adaptation. Meanwhile, global supply chain disruptions and inflation have raised prices across the board.
Regulatory Changes: The upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is creating uncertainty, as producers and roasters prepare for compliance, further tightening supply.
Rising Temperatures: Coffee plants thrive in specific temperature ranges. In Ethiopia, warming trends are forcing farmers to move to higher altitudes in search of cooler conditions, limiting the available land for cultivation.
Erratic Rainfall: Traditionally, Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions have had predictable rainy seasons. Now, unpredictable rainfall patterns lead to droughts or excessive rains, both of which can harm coffee plants and reduce yields.
Increased Pests and Diseases: Warmer temperatures and shifting climates have led to a rise in coffee diseases like coffee leaf rust and pests like the coffee berry borer, which can devastate crops.
Soil Degradation: Droughts and heavy rains contribute to soil erosion, making it harder for farmers to maintain healthy coffee plants.
These environmental changes don’t just impact coffee yields—they threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who rely on coffee as their primary source of income.
Traditional Farming Methods: Ethiopian coffee is predominantly grown on small farms using labor-intensive, sustainable practices rather than large-scale industrial farming.
High-Quality Standards: The meticulous process of handpicking, sun-drying, and natural processing contributes to its exceptional taste but also adds to the cost.
Limited Yields: Unlike mass-producing coffee nations, Ethiopia’s production is smaller in scale, making its coffee a rare and valuable commodity.
Climate Adaptation Costs: As farmers work to combat climate change—investing in shade-grown techniques, soil conservation, and drought-resistant coffee varieties—these necessary adaptations add to the overall cost of production.
Impact Trade Pricing: We ensure farmers receive fair compensation, allowing them to reinvest in their land and communities.
Climate Resilience Training: We help farmers adopt sustainable farming techniques to withstand environmental changes.
Community Investments: We support initiatives in healthcare, education, and infrastructure to enhance livelihoods.
We believe coffee is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the people and places that make it possible. Together, we can navigate this shift and build a stronger, more sustainable coffee future.
Thank you for your continued support.
The Impact Roasters Team
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