What to expect from coffee farming in the coming years

In a world experiencing constant climate change, global crises and changes in consumer behavior, the agricultural and livestock sectors are expected to undergo significant transformations driven by technological advances and changes in social and environmental demands in the coming years.

“It is estimated that in the coming years, coffee farming will be marked by the integration of advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and adaptation to changes in market demands, which will be crucial to ensuring the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of the sector. Precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems, digital platforms, big data, and the circular economy are some examples that will be more present in the daily lives of producers,” says Simão Pedro de Lima, Executive President of the Cooperativa dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado (Expocacer).

The coffee market is estimated to be worth $132,13 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $166,39 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4,72%, according to a survey by intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence. The survey also highlights that consumers are shifting towards traceable coffee with regenerative practices, consequently, major players are engaged in product innovations to maintain a stronger position in the market.

Real Sustainability

The intensive use of drones and sensors to monitor plantations, allowing for more efficient management of resources such as water and fertilizers, will be essential in coffee farming in the next decade. According to Expocacer, regenerative coffee farming, focusing on techniques that restore soil health, as well as the implementation of practices that minimize the carbon footprint, including the use of renewable energy and the management of organic waste, should become common “actions” among coffee farmers.

Techniques used to develop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, in addition to improving productivity and nutritional quality, will become fundamental for the survival of plantations amid climate change.

Tech

Technology is expected to have a profound impact on coffee farming in the coming years. “We will see more use of software tools that help farmers make data-driven decisions, from weather forecasting to financial management. The collection and analysis of large volumes of data to identify patterns and trends, helping to predict problems and optimize production, will also be seen, as well as the use of autonomous tractors and harvesters, capable of operating without human intervention, which will increase efficiency and reduce operating costs; in addition to the integration of connected devices that collect and analyze data in real time, improving decision-making,” says Simão.

Consumption and economy

Agricultural and livestock companies tend to control more stages of the production chain, from production to distribution, to improve efficiency and traceability. The focus on reusing agricultural and livestock waste, transforming it into new products or energy sources, should be a major focus in the sector.

According to Expocacer, the growing demand for low-carbon products and foods that offer additional health benefits tends to be increasing, so it will be possible to see a greater focus on training farmers with new technologies and sustainable practices through training programs and ongoing education, to meet new consumer demands in the best way.

“Government policies to support the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices, including subsidies and tax incentives, will be fundamental for this new scenario in coffee farming, contributing to a prosperous future for the sector”, concludes the Executive President of Expocacer.