Brazil’s coffee industry is increasingly challenged by climate change, with production projected to decline due to extreme weather conditions. Expocacer is addressing these issues through innovative practices, including smart irrigation and regenerative agriculture, to improve productivity and sustainability. The Educampo Project further supports producers in optimizing their farming methods by offering specialized consultancy and training.
Climate change presents significant challenges for Brazil’s coffee industry. The National Supply Company (Conab) projected the country’s coffee output for 2024 at 54.79 million 60kg bags, reflecting a marginal decline of 0.5% attributed to adverse weather conditions. These challenges, particularly prolonged droughts and extreme heat, adversely affect several coffee-growing regions, notably the Cerrado Mineiro.
Producers in the Cerrado Mineiro region have encountered extended periods of drought and temperatures nearing 40°C, compounded by incidents of frost damaging crops. Fernando Couto, an agricultural engineer and specialist at the Cerrado Coffee Growers Cooperative (Expocacer), noted a severe water deficit exceeding 400mm in specific locations, leading to irreversible productivity loss. The combination of high temperatures and frosts has caused both direct and physiological damage to coffee plants, undermining their productivity.
In light of these pressing circumstances, Expocacer has assumed a proactive stance, implementing sustainable solutions to address climate-related challenges. Investments in technological advancements and integrated management practices are underway, including smart irrigation technologies that optimize water usage. The use of these modern irrigation systems can yield up to 11 additional bags per hectare annually compared to dryland crops.
In addition to smart irrigation, coffee producers are also adopting regenerative practices. These practices include utilizing organic fertilizers and soil management techniques designed to enhance root development and bolster plant resilience against climate stresses. Furthermore, Expocacer is working towards mitigating greenhouse gases, pursuing initiatives that align with Brazil’s GHG Protocol to effectively track and reduce carbon emissions.
Expocacer serves as a critical facilitator of solutions by providing necessary technical support and training programs for producers. One notable initiative is the Educampo Project, which offers specialized consultancy to aid farmers in property management. Couto highlighted that the program provides tailored diagnostics and creation of annual production plans to optimize harvest outcomes.
Désio Rodrigo, owner of Lidon Cachoeira Alta farm, exemplifies the benefits afforded by the Educampo project. He stated, “With sustainable soil management and more strategic planning, we have tackled challenges like droughts and frosts, achieving solid results.” Rodrigo emphasized the importance of technical assistance in modernizing farming operations and enhancing production efficiency. His statement illustrated how the guidance received enabled him to adopt innovative technologies while managing the financial impact of climate challenges more effectively.
The coffee industry in Brazil is facing significant threats due to climate change, with increased droughts and temperature extremes negatively impacting production. Organizations like Expocacer are leading initiatives to implement sustainable practices and technological advancements, thereby enhancing resilience among producers. Programs such as Educampo provide crucial support, enabling coffee growers to adapt and improve their operations sustainably in the face of environmental challenges.
Original Source: www.teaandcoffee.net
