Each of us is familiar with coffee, but not everyone knows that coffee grows on trees and this plant is called Coffea. Not so many people know how it is grown and what difficulties arise in the industry today. Let’s delve into the difficulties of cultivating this plant, examining the challenges posed by nature and the societal issues faced by those who have a deep affection for this delightful beverage.
Can coffee trees flourish in a controlled environment? Can a vertical farming offer the optimal conditions for a lucrative coffee cultivation venture? We delve into these inquiries and provide answers in the article.
What is Coffea (coffee tree)?
Coffea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. Coffea species are shrubs or small trees native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species, called coffee beans, are used to flavor various beverages and products. The fruits, like the seeds, contain a large amount of caffeine, and have a distinct sweet taste.
Growing and Harvesting coffee
The process of harvesting coffee is unique and delicate, occurring just once a year. The coffee plant reaches maturity at 20 years of age, with the initial harvest taking place after four years. For a perennial tree to flourish, it must establish itself in temperate conditions and undergo several stages before flowering. Creating these specific conditions is a challenge, as not everyone can achieve it, especially considering the recent changes in climate.
They, in turn, affect the global coffee market, which is approximately 460 billion euros, with the largest share of consumers in Europe.
How does climate change affect coffee production?
The majority of coffea is cultivated in high-altitude tropical regions. However, researchers have discovered that increasing temperatures may lead to a 50 percent reduction in the suitable areas for coffee cultivation. This reshaping of the global coffee map poses significant, unprofitable risks. It’s a dire situation not only for traditional “coffee countries” like Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Brazil, India, and Madagascar but also for the livelihoods of coffee producers worldwide. Seventy percent of these producers are involved in small businesses, each directly impacted by the fluctuating prices of raw materials from these nations.
Dr. Christian Bunn from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture points out, “The longevity of the tree is a significant challenge for the industry.” Smallholder farmers must invest in alternative farming methods now to ensure their survival in the future. However, this investment is costly and might not result in the desired higher yields. Many farmers have limited knowledge about vertical farms, hydroponics, and the advancements in growing technologies within controlled environments. Despite this, the industry continues to propose new solutions, even for unconventional crops like the coffee tree in vertical cultivation.
Finding sustainable alternatives to growing Coffea. Vertical farms?
In the investment portfolio, domestic farming equipment takes up the most costly position. It’s no secret that successful industrial-scale vertical farming is a pursuit of the wealthy, demanding substantial investments. While Christian Bunn is unaware of any coffee farmers currently adopting vertical indoor hydroponic cultivation methods, researchers are actively exploring these possibilities.
Indoor vertical farming offers enhanced control over resources such as water, light, and wind exposure, factors that may be unpredictable in an open field. Growing coffee trees represents a groundbreaking innovation that could revolutionize the entire technology of vertical farming. This innovation is significant as current vertical farming practices primarily focus on the production of predominantly green crops with a limited range, negatively impacting profitability and the overall progress of the industry.
According to Bruno Telemans, a specialist in perennial and horticultural crops at the UN FAO, “It is technically possible to grow coffee trees in a greenhouse.”
However, small-scale farmers face numerous challenges in vertical farming, such as high costs and a once-a-year harvest. While rapid crop growth and quick returns could allow the coffee tree to start bearing fruit and recover expenses within four years, the farm owner has only a 16-year window to recoup all the costs associated with maintaining a single seedling tree. Theoretically, one can assess its profitability attractiveness. Does this approach even make sense?
Telemans further clarifies, “When engaging in vertical farming, it’s crucial to cultivate high-value crops. This enables farmers to harvest multiple times a year and sell the produce on the market at a very high value.”
Growing coffea in hydroponic systems and vertical farms will face challenges due to high energy demands and water management, according to agricultural engineer and FAO specialist Leone Magliocchetti Lombi.
There is some truth in these words. Vertical farming comes with certain disadvantages, including high electricity costs. The 24-hour lighting necessary for quick and large harvests of greenery raises the question of its feasibility with trees. Do they require constant bright light?
Coffee farmers have other fears: a second colonization.
What is “coffee colonization”?
To provide a clearer understanding of the issue at hand, let’s delve into the term “coffee colonization”:
The term ‘coffee colonization’ typically refers to the historical and geographical spread or expansion of coffee cultivation. Coffee, originally originating in the region of Ethiopia in East Africa, has undergone cultivation and dissemination to various parts of the world through processes involving colonization, exploration, and trade.
In the colonial era, European powers actively engaged in establishing coffee plantations in their colonies, particularly in regions with suitable climate and soil conditions for coffee growth. This initiative resulted in the proliferation of coffee cultivation across diverse tropical and subtropical regions, encompassing parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
The colonization of coffee had far-reaching economic and social repercussions. It played a pivotal role in shaping the economies of different regions, influencing local cultures, and facilitating the development of global trade networks. Today, coffee stands as a major global commodity, with the history of its colonization serving as an integral part of its narrative.
Growing Coffea in the USA and Europe?
The proliferation of costly home coffee growing methods could potentially trigger a shift in coffee production towards major consumer markets like Europe or the United States. The market value of raw coffee remains relatively low compared to the prices consumers pay, and smaller farmers typically experience the smallest profit margins.
Wealthier farmers and investors, however, can afford to subsidize the expenses associated with more expensive farming practices, such as artificial fertilization and drip irrigation systems. This financial capacity allows them to access niche premium coffee markets where higher profits can be realized.
Andre Westwick, the founder of the Ugandan coffee company Wild, expresses concerns that this trend may lead to a second colonization of the commodity.
“Every cup of coffee that enthusiasts enjoy is essentially contributing to increasing inequality in the world,” he remarks regarding the Western consumer market.
Instead, Westwick advocates for agricultural solutions that redirect profits to the countries of origin and the farmers. “I believe there are alternative ways to address sustainability issues in coffee production, and they should be led by the people currently cultivating coffee,” he emphasizes.
Can coffee seeds be bred to resist climate change?
Westwick is, in part, hopeful about developing climate-resistant varieties of coffee seeds. Through breeding programs, plants can acquire resistance to drought, pests, and high heat. However, FAO agricultural officer Melvin Medina expresses reservations about this approach, stating,
“A coffee breeding program will require years and years of work.”
Additionally, coffee is not considered a priority compared to other, more nutritionally essential foods.
While seed diversity can play a role, Medina emphasizes the importance of exploring other sustainable outdoor practices first. The potential use of GMOs in finding a solution to the problem remains uncertain, and few people are willing to openly discuss it.
“The key to sustainable coffee production truly lies in the field, where smallholder farmers assess the water consumption of coffee production,” notes Telemans.
How can coffea revive and once again become a successful source of money for farmers?
Additional trees
Shade trees play a crucial role in safeguarding coffee plants from direct sunlight and facilitating consistent temperature changes throughout the day. Beyond providing shade, these trees serve to shield coffee plants from strong winds and enhance soil quality by naturally fertilizing the soil with their fallen leaves. Additionally, the deep roots of shade trees aid in allowing rainwater to penetrate deeper into the soil, making it more accessible to the coffee plant.
Implementation of new irrigation technologies
In managing water consumption, new irrigation technologies emerge as a crucial tool. Drip irrigation systems, for example, enable a slow, controlled release of water and fertilizer directly to the plant’s roots. Alternatives include sprinkler systems or micro-nozzles, although there is limited research on how these technologies impact coffee farm yields.
Andre Westwick suggests that, given coffee’s origin in a wild natural ecosystem, it may not be suitable for vertical farming.
Vestvik advocates for major coffee companies to embrace the power of nature through a coffee renaissance, emphasizing conservation practices for the restoration and protection of natural areas. According to Westwick, “Coffee belongs to a wild natural ecosystem.”
Telemans, however, disputes the idea that rewilding is a viable solution for the global coffee market. Coffee experts agree that adaptation is necessary, and finding accessible solutions for most producers is crucial. The debate on how to achieve this depends on regional contexts and remains an ongoing matter of discussion.
“Climate change is already something we’re clearly experiencing,” says Bunn. “But it’s not going to get better; it’s going to get worse. So what we’re experiencing now is just the beginning.”
Conclusions. Will growing coffee become sustainable crop production in a controlled environment?
Active communication regarding the implementation of coffee tree cultivation in vertical farms is currently lacking. Many farmers view this approach as impractical and believe that addressing climate issues lies in enhancing existing coffee varieties to make them more resilient to adverse conditions.
As we await a clear answer on whether developing methods for growing coffee trees in the controlled environment of vertical farms is a viable or disadvantageous idea from all perspectives, we will continue to monitor developments closely. Hopes are pinned on receiving feedback from farmers well-versed in coffea cultivation, providing valuable insights into the potential challenges and advantages associated with such innovative approaches.
The prospect of making coffee production sustainable in a controlled environment faces challenges, particularly concerning the impacts of climate change on traditional cultivation methods. While innovative approaches, such as vertical farming and climate-resistant seed varieties, are being explored, their feasibility and scalability remain uncertain.
The potential shift to major consumer markets may further complicate the dynamics of coffee production, raising questions about equity and sustainability. Overall, achieving sustainable coffee crop production in a controlled environment requires concerted efforts, technological advancements, and a careful consideration of economic and environmental factors.