Australian Coffee Farmers Aiming For Specialty Status Amid International Price Hikes – CoffeeTalk

Australian coffee farmers are working to achieve “specialty coffee” status as the price of international beans rises. Far North Queensland, which accounts for 85% of Australia’s coffee production, has the potential to become as renowned for its coffee as southern Australia is for its wine. The Tablelands region produces about 800 tonnes of coffee beans a year, and the coffee industry needs to upgrade to the level of the wine industry, where flavors can play a significant role in broadening the market for Queensland-produced coffee.

The project helps local producers improve bean quality to achieve “specialty coffee” status, a shift that could dramatically increase the value of their crop. The Tablelands region has the rich soil, elevation, and reliable rainfall that are ideal for growing coffee, and Dr. Fawad Ali is developing new coffee varieties tailored specifically for this region. He is also looking for less resource-intensive ways to grow coffee and enhance its flavor.

As coffee prices rise, Dr. Ali believes improving domestic production could make Australian-grown beans more competitive, especially in the specialty market. Rod Greenfield, CEO of a Melbourne specialty coffee roaster that supplies beans to hundreds of cafes around the country, sees that Australian grown coffee could become more popular as global prices increase. His company has been working closely with growers in the project to improve the flavor of their beans. In March, they showcased a small selection from the Tablelands at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo, and Mr. Greenfield said that the flavour of coffee that’s now able to be produced in Australia had something to do with that.

In conclusion, while Australian coffee farmers are working to replicate the success of grape growers, the market is curious about the potential of their coffee. By upgrading the coffee industry to the level of the wine industry, the value of their crop could be significantly increased.

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