The coffee industry faces a brewing crisis as climate change threatens the cultivation of one of the world's most beloved beverages. With billions of cups consumed daily, coffee fuels a global industry valued at over $200 billion. Yet behind this success lies a precarious future, particularly for the millions of small-scale farmers who grow coffee in regions increasingly affected by drought, soil erosion, and financial instability.
Andrea Illy, chairman of the iconic Italian coffee brand Illycaffè, is tackling this challenge head-on. At the forefront of the fight for coffee’s sustainability, Illy champions regenerative agriculture as a solution to protect both farmers and the environment.
Coffee’s Growing Climate Challenge
Coffee cultivation is highly sensitive to changes in climate. Extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts in Brazil and Vietnam, have already begun to impact coffee yields and quality. For the more than 12 million coffee farmers worldwide—many of whom operate at a small scale and are already living in poverty—these challenges compound the financial risks of volatile coffee prices and limited access to affordable financing.
“Climate change is accelerating, and the future of coffee is under threat,” warns Illy.
Regenerative Agriculture: A Sustainable Solution
To address these challenges, Illy advocates for regenerative agriculture, a farming approach that enhances soil health, improves biodiversity, and increases water retention. By integrating organic fertilizers, biological pest control, and waste reuse, regenerative practices help coffee farmers reduce emissions and build resilience to climate impacts.
“Regenerative agriculture enriches the soil, retains water, and promotes biodiversity,” says Illy. “It’s a holistic approach that benefits both the environment and farmers.”
Illycaffè exemplifies this commitment through partnerships with producers who adopt sustainable practices. This year, the company awarded its prestigious "Best of the Best" prize to Brazil’s Fazenda Serra do Boné for its exemplary use of regenerative methods. These practices not only preserve the local ecosystem but also elevate coffee quality, proving that sustainability and excellence go hand in hand.
Mobilizing Support for Farmers
Beyond advocating for sustainable farming, Illy is calling for the creation of a $10 billion public-private fund to support smallholder farmers in tropical regions hardest hit by climate change. This fund would provide resources to improve agricultural practices, strengthen supply chains, and ensure a stable income for farmers.
During a panel at the United Nations, Illy joined global leaders in discussing the urgent need for collective action to secure coffee’s future. The "Global Coffee Alliance" initiative emphasizes collaboration between governments, businesses, and organizations to address the industry’s challenges through innovation and sustainable investment.
“As leaders in food and sustainability, we have a responsibility to champion models that secure vital food systems like coffee,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
Coffee’s Renaissance: Beyond Sustainability
For Illy, the vision for coffee extends beyond survival. He aims to elevate coffee to a cultural and experiential status comparable to wine, focusing on its taste, aroma, and origin. As specialty coffee gains global traction, including in emerging markets like China, Illy sees an opportunity to redefine how people perceive and enjoy the beverage.
“Coffee was once a functional beverage,” Illy reflects. “Today, it has become an experiential one.”
A Call to Action
Coffee’s future hinges on immediate and coordinated efforts to combat climate change. For businesses, adopting sustainable practices is no longer optional but essential. Tools like NetNada’s carbon accounting platform can help coffee companies and producers measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact, ensuring resilience in the face of climate challenges.
As Illy says, “Coffee may not significantly contribute to climate change, but it suffers deeply from its consequences.” Now is the time for the coffee industry to act decisively, blending sustainability with the artistry that makes coffee a cherished global staple.
