In Honduras, QU Dongyu Highlights The Crucial Role Of Coffee In The Transformation Of Agrifood Systems – CoffeeTalk

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, has emphasized the need to transform the coffee sector into a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable industry. The coffee sector, with a global production value of approximately $15 billion annually, can play a crucial role in the global transformation of agrifood systems. Smallholder producers account for a large share of global output, and coffee exports represent a vital source of revenue for many low-income countries. However, the sector faces challenges such as loss of biodiversity, pests and diseases, and high price volatility.

Organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Coffee Forum features representatives from almost all 33 member countries of the regional bloc, currently presided over by Honduras. Some of the world’s finest coffee beans are being showcased, and opportunities are provided to establish commercial alliances and explore the development of the coffee sector within the region. The Director-General commended Honduras and other coffee-producing countries of the region, such as Brazil, for securing the endorsement of an International Coffee Day during the recent 76th Session of the FAO Committee on Commodity Problems.

The FAO Director-General emphasized the importance of prioritizing impactful solutions, such as modernizing infrastructure and technology through investments in advanced coffee processing facilities, marketing channels, and transportation networks to enhance bean quality and reduce post-harvest losses. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the coffee value chain by building a strong national brand and expanding international trade relationships to increase value addition and raise small-holder farmer incomes.

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