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Photo / Expocacer

a whole. Similar to Expocacer’s work in Brazil, organiza-
tions in other origin countries work to close the gap be-
tween farmers and the rest of the market.
In Kenya, the Dedan Kimathi University of Tech-
nology offers certification programs in coffee technol-
ogy, quality management, and cupping. Unblended Cof-
But Expocacer has much to stay hopeful about as its fee developed the Young Producer Program, where they
efforts are showing signs of fruition. “We have already teach Colombian farmers about the business of coffee,
seen the success of the project as some teenagers are show- its distribution chain, efficient farming, and branding.
ing increased interest in becoming involved in their family Illy Cafe offers a comprehensive Master’s Degree in
business,” says Moraes. “We have also observed a growing Coffee Economics and Science, with partial or full fi-
sense of belonging among cooperative families towards the nancial coverage for promising young applicants from
projects and initiatives developed by Expocacer.” coffee-producing countries.
Maria Reis of Fazenda Barros farm is currently at- The issue of farm succession reflects on the entire
tending the program. “I find it interesting and very excit- industry and addressing it should be everyone’s respon-
ing so far,” she reflects on her experience. “I have really sibility. From the farmers themselves to the end con-
enjoyed immersing myself in this world and preparing for sumers, we can all do something to contribute. The new
the future. I hope to learn more about coffee culture and generation of farmers dreams big and seeks fulfillment.
the pre/post-harvest processes. I believe Teens will help This creates an unprecedented opportunity to combine
me persist in my agronomy path, in my future, and in the skills of previous generations with the new gener-
continuing my family’s work. I believe the impact will be ation’s ambition and innovation and break out of the
good for me and my family, and together we will be able confinements of the farm.
to achieve our goals.” Lina Uribe broke the market’s barriers for her fam-
Teens is funded entirely by Expocacer and the co- ily. “I am the first in my family to speak English, the first
operative has exciting plans for the future. Moraes is to pursue an international Master’s degree, the first who
particularly looking forward to incorporating technical thought about directly exporting our coffee, and the first
visits, social and environmental actions, and interactive to cross the ocean and offer our coffee to the world.” She
activities with the cooperative. “These initiatives aim to explains how simply learning a second language would
strengthen the program’s impact and expand its activities allow young farmers to communicate with the rest of the
to promote sustainable and engaged development across industry and potentially earn a seat at the table.
the entire ecosystem,” she adds. Being closer to the end consumer, exporters, im-
porters, and roasters can play a big role. Showcasing the
Farm Succession: An International Threat person and family behind the coffee consumers love so
to the Coffee Industry much can contribute to its value. More importantly,it will
help establish the farmer’s brand. Young farmers want to
The issue of farm succession isn’t unique to Brazil. feel proud of their work and this type of recognition can
Income instability, unfair wealth distribution, and the help accomplish that. Additionally, sharing the financial
The issue of farm succession isn’t lack of business knowledge drive teenagers in all cof- risk by committing to pre-financing agreements will pro-
fee-producing countries to pursue a future elsewhere.
vide stability and generate more equity for the farmer.
unique to Brazil. Income instability, un- Armenia, Colombia, pinpoints equity as a key factor in coffee we consume. Educating ourselves about different
As consumers, we can express more interest in the
Lina Uribe, a fourth-generation coffee producer in
fair wealth distribution, and the lack of the succession issue: “If we want young people to stay origins and processes will increase our appreciation for
in the fields, we need equity from the market. A farmer
coffee and ensure we consume a quality product. So next
business knowledge drive teenagers in wants the same dignity as a roaster, an exporter, or an im- time you enter a coffee shop, see if there’s any informa-
porter, and that will come from more equity in the price.”
tion about where it came from. Does the farmer have a
all coffee-producing countries to pur- ers to have an honest share in the market, they must website or social media? Perhaps you can actively seek
Fighting for a Common Cause For coffee farm-
coffees that showcase and tell the stories of their produc-
sue a future elsewhere. first know what determines the value of their product, ers. One thing is for sure, your relationship with coffee is
which requires an understanding of the coffee market as
bound to change for the better.

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