Farmers Work With Researchers At University Of Florida To Make Coffee A Viable Crop In The State – CoffeeTalk

Researchers and farmers in Florida are collaborating to cultivate coffee as a potential new agricultural product for the state. Matthew Davis, who transitioned from the citrus industry after facing challenges with diseases like greening disease, is now the owner of Old Okeechobee Coffee Co. He has been harvesting coffee beans for two and a half months, yielding hundreds of bags for sale. This initiative responds to the needs of growers seeking alternative crops to adapt to industry difficulties.

The University of Florida is also involved, with research scientist Felipe Ferrao highlighting the interest among struggling farmers to explore new options. The focus of the research is to adapt coffee cultivation to Florida’s unique soil and environmental conditions, emphasizing the development of coffee plants suited to the landscape.

Old Okeechobee Coffee Co. manages all aspects from cultivation to distribution, including offering farm tours with coffee tastings on weekends. Davis expresses optimism that coffee farming could provide financial relief for struggling farmers, potentially enabling them to keep their family businesses afloat. The partnership between Davis and the university represents a strategic effort to introduce coffee production into Florida’s agricultural framework, signaling a promising avenue for local farmers in response to adversities in traditional crop sectors.

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