Dr. Jennifer Vern Long, CEO of World Coffee Research (WCR), confirmed that the organization concluded 2024 with remarkable achievements in coffee variety development, partnership strengthening, and farmer-focused solutions. She pointed out that these successes came in a year filled with global agricultural challenges, underscoring the organization’s role as a leader in enhancing coffee’s resilience and ensuring its sustainability for the future.

In her annual update, Dr. Vern Long reviewed the progress made in addressing pressing challenges faced by coffee farming communities worldwide, stating:
“At a time when unprecedented challenges to coffee cultivation are accelerating, it is inspiring to see what we can achieve through collaboration to develop science-based solutions that enhance resilience and create opportunities for farmers worldwide.”

Dr. Vern Long outlined the key achievements of World Coffee Research for 2024 as follows:

Launch of the Innovea Global Arabica Breeding Network

World Coffee Research accomplished a major milestone by establishing field trials for the Innovea Global Arabica Breeding Network. After two years of development, the program introduced 5,000 genetically diverse and high-performing coffee trees across multiple regions. These trials aim to tackle specific climate challenges and provide farmers with innovative solutions to protect their crops.

Strengthening Partnerships for Robusta Variety Development

World Coffee Research expanded its impact to robusta-producing countries by formalizing partnerships with Vietnam, Uganda, and Ghana—key robusta-producing nations. These partnerships are part of the organization’s broader strategy to advance robusta variety development, with further expansion expected ahead of the network’s official launch in 2025.

Multi-Million Dollar Investments in Research and Development

The organization launched a groundbreaking program in collaboration with Cornell University, backed by $5 million in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program focuses on enhancing the resilience and productivity of coffee farmers through partnerships with global institutions, including Colombia’s CENICAFÉ, Kenya’s KALRO, and Rwanda’s RAB. Additionally, a pilot project in Peru aims to improve farmers’ access to high-quality planting materials.

Improved Access to High-Performing Coffee Varieties

In Peru, World Coffee Research worked closely with partners to establish 10 new seed production sites capable of producing 4 million improved coffee trees annually. In Uganda, the organization distributed 100,000 disease-resistant seedlings and provided training to over 100 nursery operators and seed producers, significantly enhancing seed sector capacity in the region.

Dr. Vern Long emphasized that these achievements represent the beginning of a transformative journey for the coffee industry. She highlighted that through innovation, collaboration, and targeted investments, the organization is addressing fundamental challenges while paving the way for long-term stability and growth.

She stated: “The progress achieved this year is evidence of the powerful change we can create by working together. This journey is certainly the path that will lead us to where we need to be as a global coffee community.”

World Coffee Research remains committed to advancing coffee agriculture through science, partnerships, and innovation. For more information about the organization’s programs and achievements, visit their official website.