Time to spill: The coffee industry is racing against time to replace aging trees, but without the right data, millions of new plantings could fail. Enter CafeClima, a free platform designed to turn climate science into actionable replanting strategies. As billions of coffee trees reach the end of their lifespan, the stakes are clear: choose the wrong variety, and you’re betting on a future that’s already too hot.
CafeClima bridges the gap between climate projections and farm reality. The platform leverages World Coffee Research’s International Multilocation Variety Trial (IMLVT), a global experiment testing arabica varieties across diverse climates. Farmers and investors can now see localized climate data, compare how varieties perform in extreme conditions, and identify “climate analogs”—regions today that mirror future conditions. This isn’t just theory; it’s a roadmap to avoid wasting millions on trees that won’t survive 2050.
The urgency is staggering. A 2017 USAID report estimated 4 million hectares of smallholder coffee land needs renovation, yet only 5% of the 11.5 million farmers in need have received support. WCR’s analysis shows that $1.2 billion in investments over two decades has done little to scale solutions. Enter CafeClima, which aims to recalibrate that equation. By translating climate science into practical guidance, it’s not just about planting trees—it’s about planting the right ones.
The platform’s free access in English and Spanish underscores its ambition to democratize climate-smart farming. Developed with funding from the USDA, TechnoServe, Taylors of Harrogate, and Coffee Circle, CafeClima is a rare example of industry collaboration meeting ecological necessity. As WCR CEO Jennifer Long warned, “Action without insight is the costliest mistake.”
What if the next generation of coffee trees could thrive in a warming world.
What if the next generation of coffee trees could thrive in a warming world? How would you start?
Questions & Answers
How does CafeClima support climate-smart coffee replanting?
CafeClima provides tools for sustainable replanting, helping farmers choose climate-resilient coffee varieties and adopt eco-friendly practices to protect ecosystems and improve yields.
What is the goal of the CafeClima platform?
The goal is to promote climate-smart coffee farming by offering resources, training, and support to farmers, ensuring sustainable growth and environmental protection.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
