EDITOR’S NOTE

PURPOSE AND PRIVILEGE

IF THERE’S one thing we’ve learned from the past two years, it’s that nothing is certain, and anything can happen.

Two years ago, I would never have imagined that a conversation with a friend asking for hand sanitiser to take back on his travels to the United States for fear of some “looming virus” would have evolved into one of the biggest challenges of our generation.

One year of hard lockdowns turned into two and now a third variant of the coronavirus has cause for concern at a time when the world is well and truly ready to move on.

It’s a world that’s battered and bruised, and not just from the impact of this evil virus, but from mother nature reminding us who’s boss. Climate’s unpredictability is what our industry has to contend with, and adapt to.

Speaking with Professor Camila Stefani de Sousa of Cerrado University Center Patrocínio in Minas Gerais after the most severe frost Brazil had experienced in 40 to 50 years, she said there was fear amongst Brazilian farmers, particularly smallholders. What if they experienced another year of frost? What if the lack of rain resulted in a late flowering of the 2022 crop? What if production costs continue to outweigh crop output? If either event occurs, de Sousa said many farmers will be forced to look at planting alternate crops.

But what if those ‘what ifs?’ turned to ‘how cans?’ How can we as an industry do more to support our farmers? How can we make better buying decisions to sustain their livelihood and still make a healthy profit? How can we move forward with our business plans to excel and grow as roasters and manufacturers in beneficial ways for consumers and the environment?

Balance, I believe, will be key.

Carbon Market Institute CEO John Connor said COP26 in Glasgow concluded in 2021 with “significant achievements but still left the world short of the ambition and action required to avoid massive climate costs”. However, he said the event did put the spotlight on the need for new targets and timelines as well as new policies to boost carbon markets, capacity building, and technology deployment in 2022.

It was never going to resolve all issues in the pursuit of Paris Agreement temperature goals, but it has prompted action and a rules-based framework for international cooperation. The challenge for governments and markets is clear, and it will be up to businesses within our industry, to do their part.

As we begin a new year, let us reflect on the growth we’ve achieve out of resilience, focus on gratitude for the support we have, and use adversity to drive solutions that can better our knowledge, products and services. At the end of the day, we’re in the flavour business, but we’re also extremely privileged to celebrate a product that can have a positive impact on so many lives, and it’s up to us all, to sustain it.

Sarah Baker

Editor, Global Coffee Report

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