Coffee beans enjoyed worldwide come from two main species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. Projections indicate that by 2050, around 80% of Arabica coffee production may decline due to climate change. Scientists are exploring alternative coffee varieties that could fill the gap.
Can’t start your day without coffee? More than 2.2 billion cups are consumed daily around the world. This means that over 100 million farmers are involved in coffee production globally.
Coffee beans consumed around the globe are derived from two species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, commonly known as Robusta (or Conilon) coffee. Coffee enthusiasts often favor Arabica beans for their distinct taste and fragrance, as noted by Felipe Ferrao, a research assistant scientist in horticultural sciences at the University of Florida.
However, forecasts suggest that by 2050, there could be an 80% reduction in Arabica coffee production attributed to climate change. In response, Ferrao and his colleagues from France (RD2 Vision) and Brazil (Incaper Institution) are on a quest to discover alternative coffee cultivars.
Researchers see two avenues to support Arabica coffee: first, adapting coffee-growing practices for new climates, and second, focusing on more resilient species. New research led by UF/IFAS indicates that Robusta coffee could be a viable substitute for Arabica.
“Currently, around 60% of the coffee beans sold worldwide are from Coffea arabica, so the coffee industry is actively seeking alternatives,” explained Ferrao, the main author of the study. “This is the point where Robusta coffee enters the picture as a strong contender.”
Over the past few decades, Robusta coffee production has increased by approximately 30%, marking a significant advancement in the coffee industry, according to Ferrao.
“In general, this species yields more coffee than Arabica while utilizing fewer resources, such as fertilizers and water. True to its name, the plant is hardier,” Ferrao said. “While the demand for Robusta coffee is unlikely to decline, our main challenge is to satisfy the quality and productivity needs of the coffee industry. In this regard, genetics and breeding research can provide crucial insights into diversity and the factors that influence quality.”
In their study, Ferrao and his team assessed Robusta/Conilon and Arabica coffee for various traits over five years across three high-altitude locations in Brazil. The goal was to determine if Robusta cultivars could yield well in different climates while also maintaining good taste.
The findings revealed that Robusta is remarkably adaptable and can thrive in high-altitude regions, indicating it can offer both good yields and flavor.
“Robusta’s flexibility arises from its diverse genetic pool, allowing for the selection of different plants based on weather conditions,” Ferrao commented. “This opens up discussions about the future of coffee — climate-smart coffee.”
Researchers propose that Robusta can effectively combine three key elements for coffee varieties:
- Sustainability — higher yields with fewer resources.
- Quality — pleasing flavors to satisfy consumer preferences.
- Plasticity — ability to adapt to new farming systems.
With promising results from Brazil, scientists are now investigating whether Robusta can thrive in Florida.
“In Florida, we are conducting trials of both Robusta and Arabica coffees in various locations. Compared to Brazil, the differences in soil properties, rainfall patterns, temperature, and climatic events will definitely influence coffee production and its quality,” noted Ferrao.
UF/IFAS scientists are attempting to cultivate coffee varieties in South Florida. Image credit: Felipe Ferrao, UF/IFAS.
To explore coffee as a potential crop for Florida farmers, Ferrao and his UF/IFAS team are experimenting with coffee cultivation at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead. Collaborating at TREC are Jonathan Crane, an associate center director and professor, and Ali Sarkhosh, an associate professor based in Gainesville, both of whom are colleagues in the horticultural sciences department.
Ferrao is also growing coffee in Pierson (Volusia County) and attempting indoor cultivation using high-tunnel structures in North Florida, which marks the first instance of testing such a wide variety of coffee types under Florida’s conditions.
