In Honduras, QU Dongyu highlights the essential function of espresso within the transformation of agrifood methods

Amid quite a few complicated and interconnected challenges dealing with the world similar to meals insecurity, the local weather crises, and growing geopolitical tensions, the espresso sector, with a world manufacturing worth of roughly $15 billion yearly, can play an important function in lots of contexts associated to the worldwide transformation of agrifood methods, Qu defined.

Smallholder producers account for a big share of world output, and low exports characterize an important income for a lot of low-income international locations. “However the espresso sector faces a number of challenges that want pressing consideration similar to lack of biodiversity, pests and ailments and excessive worth volatility, amongst others,” he warned.

Organized by the Neighborhood of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Espresso Discussion board options representatives from virtually all 33 member international locations of the regional bloc, at the moment presided over by Honduras. A number of the world’s best espresso beans are being showcased and alternatives are being supplied to ascertain business alliances and discover the event of the espresso sector throughout the area.

The Director-Basic recommended Honduras and different coffee-producing international locations of the area similar to Brazil, for securing the endorsement of an Worldwide Espresso Day in the course of the current 76th Session of the FAO Committee on Commodity Issues. The Committee’s advice will likely be thought-about by the United Nations Basic Meeting later this yr, he knowledgeable.

The sector in Honduras

Honduras, the most important espresso producer in Central America and the Caribbean, and ranked among the many prime 10 globally, is deeply reliant on its espresso business. This sector performs an important function within the nation’s financial system, producing jobs, export revenues, and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. With over 90% of Honduras’ espresso output exported, it additionally serves as an important supply of overseas trade.

“To allow the espresso sector to leverage its potential, it’s essential to prioritise impactful options, the FAO Director-Basic stated, figuring out some key priorities.”

Amongst them, modernizing infrastructure and expertise by way of investments in superior espresso processing amenities, advertising channels, and transportation networks to reinforce bean high quality and cut back post-harvest losses.

Qu additionally spoke about selling climate-resilient farming practices—similar to shade-grown espresso and agroforestry—to safeguard crops in opposition to excessive climate, pests, and enhance soil well being, and invited Honduras to give attention to local weather adaptation measures.

Equally, he highlighted the significance of strengthening the espresso worth chain by constructing a powerful nationwide model and increasing worldwide commerce relationships to extend worth addition and lift the small-holder farmer incomes. Lastly, he defined that empowering espresso growers with coaching on greatest practices, entry to credit score, and market insights is important for long-term success.

Qu reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to work with the Honduran authorities to offer technical help for remodeling the espresso sector. He urged continued collaboration to attain tangible enhancements within the business.

“I will likely be right here to help this historic mission, which is a part of FAO’s mandate to advertise worth chains for smallholder farmers and construct a greater future,” he concluded.

The CELAC Truthful and Everlasting Espresso Discussion board will proceed till Thursday with the theme ‘Agriculture and Household Economic system for Regional Growth’.