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From El Salvador, With Love coffee farm. This system enables the unambiguous
tracing of a variety’s origin and the seamless continu-
Genotyping, a cornerstone in the field of plant ge- ity of its genetic lineage, a remarkable feat in the world
netics, has emerged as a pivotal instrument for refining of coffee cultivation.
and enhancing traits in plants. Its inherent power lies The El Salvador project serves as a shining testament
in the scientist’s ability to pinpoint and validate con- to the multifaceted ways in which WCR is galvanizing a
nections between minuscule strands of DNA and spe- revolution in the coffee industry with their arsenal of
cific characteristics. This breakthrough in genetic sci- genetic traceability tools. In essence, they are enabling
ence is not just about unraveling the mysteries of nature; not just the coffee sector in El Salvador, but coffee com-
it’s about saving precious time and resources, particu- munities worldwide, to embrace a future that is sustain-
larly when it comes to field trials and nurseries, by able, prosperous, and inextricably linked to the traditions
enabling the early identification and selection of dis- and livelihoods of generations.
ease-resistant seedlings.
Within the vast and complex tapestry of the coffee A New Poster Celebrating Coffee Varieties
industry, the significance of genotyping cannot be over-
stated. It serves as the guiding light for seed producers, In another testament to their commitment to coffee
nurseries, and the tireless coffee farmers who form the diversity and knowledge sharing, WCR made waves last
backbone of this global industry. The ability to identify September with the release of a poster that pays homage
and trace coffee varieties throughout their journey in to key coffee varieties from across the globe. The poster,
the supply chain, from the hallowed grounds of seed a visual masterpiece, is now available for free download
gardens to the nurturing nurseries, and finally, from the on WCR’s official website. The digital and print-ready
farmers’ fields to the roasting drums that beckon world- files cater to both U.S. and European standard poster
wide, is nothing short of transformative. This transfor- sizes, ensuring accessibility to coffee enthusiasts and
mative power is particularly pronounced for seed pro- professionals alike.
viders who are responsible for producing plants and seeds The poster stands as a representation of the lin-
in substantial quantities. These genotyping tools promise eage and interrelation of various coffee varieties
not only traceability but also increased access to supe- featured in the World Coffee Research Coffee Vari-
rior and resilient coffee varieties, ultimately leading to eties Catalog, a compendium that shines a spotlight
a surge in production and profits for the coffee farmers on over 100 coffee varieties. This rich tapestry of
who toil tirelessly. coffee diversity spans 22 countries, encompassing the
To bring this concept to life, let’s explore a recent two principal species of coffee plants cultivated glob-
study conducted by World Coffee Research (WCR). In ally: C. arabica (commonly referred to as Arabica)
this study, the design and structure of quality assurance and C. canephora (known more commonly as Robus-
systems for coffee seeds and seedlings in El Salvador came ta). While the poster is undeniably a practical tool
under meticulous scrutiny. The government of El Salvador and guide for coffee producers, it does not endeavor
embarked on an ambitious journey in 2021, allocating a to encapsulate the entirety of the coffee varieties that
staggering $377 million for the rejuvenation of approxi- exist worldwide. Instead, it serves as a window into
mately 35,000 hectares of land with the planting of over the remarkable diversity that forms the bedrock of
150 million new coffee trees. The motive behind this the coffee industry.
monumental initiative is to breathe fresh life into a coffee The artistry and visual storytelling behind the
sector that has historically served as a cornerstone of the poster was brought to life by the creative minds at
national economy, a symbol of pride and sustenance for webDNA, a design agency based in the United Kingdom.
countless communities. It was conceived in conjunction with the redesign and
This study was nothing short of comprehensive. It re-launch of the World Coffee Research Coffee Varieties
entailed the careful collection of samples from seed Catalog earlier in the year. The creation of this poster
sources across the nation, with each source meticulous- is a harmonious echo of WCR’s legacy, marked by
ly chosen for its ability to yield varieties aligned with groundbreaking contributions to the world of coffee
the unique needs of the coffee farmers. WCR’s arsenal science, including the globally renowned Specialty Cof-
of SNP-based genetic testing played a pivotal role in fee Association/WCR/UC Davis Coffee Taster’s Flavor
this endeavor. Through this sophisticated technology, Wheel. The flavor wheel, a beloved tool among coffee
a traceability system was meticulously crafted, extend- aficionados, was nurtured using WCR’s foundational
ing from the seed source all the way to the humble Sensory Lexicon, exemplifying their pioneering spirit.

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