# Starbucks Unveils Climate-Resilient Coffee Seeds for a Sustainable Future
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Chapter 1: The Coffee Connection
As a devoted coffee enthusiast, I limit myself to just two cups each day, often stretching this guideline with a large mug. While I also enjoy tea in the afternoons, coffee is undeniably my essential fuel. I’m certainly not alone in this sentiment; a Statista Consumer Insights survey from 2021 revealed that nearly 80% of Americans indulged in two or more cups of coffee on weekdays, with over half consuming three or more. Furthermore, 51% of adults aged 18 to 74 expressed that coffee is a source of pure pleasure for them. This shared passion is now under threat due to climate change, but there’s a silver lining: Starbucks has developed a new breed of coffee seeds that can endure the challenges posed by global warming.
Coffee's Relationship with Climate Change
Coffee has been a cherished staple for centuries, and despite the vast array of choices in grocery stores, it’s surprising to learn that most coffee comes from just two species: arabica and robusta. Arabica coffee is favored by many, comprising 70% of global coffee production due to its smoother taste and fruity notes. In contrast, robusta beans, known for their bitter flavor, are often used in instant coffee.
Robusta plants are hardier than arabica and can withstand higher temperatures. Originating in central and western sub-Saharan Africa, robusta can flourish in diverse climates, unlike the more sensitive arabica, which is primarily cultivated in Central and South America. Arabica's vulnerability to environmental changes makes it more susceptible to crop loss and diseases.
Significantly, leaf rust—a destructive fungus thriving in warm, humid conditions—poses a considerable risk to coffee crops. In 1869, a leaf rust epidemic devastated arabica production in what is now Sri Lanka. Sarada Krishnan, a scientist at the Crop Trust, emphasized the dire consequences for smallholder farmers, stating that an outbreak could obliterate their entire annual income.
Starbucks' Commitment to Coffee Sustainability
Starbucks recognizes the importance of arabica coffee, as it is the sole type used across its nearly 37,000 global locations. The company has taken notable steps towards sustainability. In 2004, it established the Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices, setting a precedent for ethical sourcing in the coffee industry.
In 2013, Starbucks acquired Hacienda Alsacia, a 240-hectare farm located on the slopes of Poas Volcano in Costa Rica, which serves as its research and development center. Here, agronomists have created six varieties of climate- and leaf-rust-resistant arabica coffee seeds that maintain excellent flavor profiles and yield higher quantities in less time.
Importantly, Starbucks has committed to sharing these innovative seeds without charge, allowing farmers to cultivate and sell their crops freely, even to competitors. Over the past five years, the company has distributed around three million seeds to farmers across 30 countries, impacting approximately 400,000 farmers.
A Broader Perspective on Crop Sustainability
While exploring this topic, I came across some compelling reports from the Royal Botanical Gardens. A 2020 report warned that factors such as land clearing and climate fluctuations could threaten 40% of known edible crops. A more recent 2023 report highlighted that 45% of flowering plants face extinction risks due to climate change.
Although future generations may lose access to various fruits and vegetables, at least coffee might endure, thanks to initiatives like those from Starbucks.
This article was initially published in the author's newsletter, Curious Adventure, and later shared on Medium with her permission. Thank you for reading; your support is greatly appreciated.