Philippine Coffee Buyers Take Charge Towards Sustainability

As the demand for sustainably-sourced coffee continues to grow in the Philippines, the role of green coffee bean (GCB) buyers in promoting sustainable practices and promoting quality in Philippine coffee farms is becoming increasingly important.

Sustainability is crucial for ensuring the long-term availability of coffee and the livelihoods of coffee farmers. This report by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) highlights that sustainable farming leads to higher yields, better quality, and increased profitability. It also helps reduce the negative impacts of coffee farming on the environment, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

There is also a need to gear toward sustainability because the consumer market demands so. Similar to coffee consumers in other regions, Asians are becoming more aware of the environmental and social impact of their coffee consumption. They are now actively seeking more sustainable options, according to the ICO in their Coffee Market Report 2019.

 Philippine Coffee Bean Buyers as Sustainability Advocates

GCB buyers play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Curve Coffee Collaborators, a homegrown Filipino coffee brand and roaster, has teams of GCB buyers set to discover various types of coffee from farming communities all over the Philippines. They take sourcing a step further by being mentors to farmers they meet along the way. Curve’s buyers share valuable knowledge with farmers so that they can enhance their coffee farming techniques and produce high-quality coffees.

Here are some of Curve Coffee Collaborators’ impactful initiatives for their partner farmers and partner farming communities:

 1. Support through the provision of tools, equipment, facilities, and other farm-level needs

Many Filipino coffee farmers still rely on traditional methods, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Curve provides them with modern agricultural tools such as pruning shears, hand-held coffee harvesters, and soil testing kits. These tools help improve their productivity and efficiency.

Access to proper processing facilities can significantly improve the quality of coffee beans and increase their value. Curve invests in facilities (in Visayas and Mindanao) to support their partner farmers with the right equipment for their harvests.

Practical support like these can solve multiple agricultural challenges farmers encounter. It enables local farming communities to kickstart, progress, and sustain coffee production, especially when they lack support from the government and relevant organizations.

 2. Support through buying quality green coffee beans (GCBs)

Another way Curve supports coffee farmers is by buying quality green coffee beans from them. When buyers pay a fair price for high-quality beans, it motivates farmers to work harder on growing quality coffee.

Farmers who produce high-quality coffee are more likely to receive higher payments for their beans. It provides a financial incentive to invest in sustainable farming practices such as crop diversification, soil conservation, and water management. It further leads to the maintenance and protection of soil health and biodiversity.

Aside from this, buyers contribute to social sustainability through fair trade. When the livelihoods of farmers and their families are improved, they gain better access to education, healthcare, and other necessities that can help improve their overall well-being.

 3. Support through GAP and GMP Training

Curve gives farmers free training on Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices. Through these, farmers appreciate the importance of their livelihoods more. They also learn new and practical techniques they can implement on their farms. Additionally, educating them minimizes the negative environmental impacts of coffee farming and leads to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

GAP training teaches farmers proper techniques for planting, growing, and harvesting. It includes the best practices for soil preparation, planting, pruning, and pest and disease management. Additionally, farmers learn about the appropriate use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to minimize environmental impact and preserve soil health.

"In the Philippine coffee industry is achievable through open collaboration, cohesive sustainability programs, and equally beneficial partnerships throughout the coffee value chain"

GMP training focuses on post-harvest processing techniques where farmers learn about sorting, bean grading, drying, and proper storage.

Being a Sustainable Philippine Coffee Brand

Curve Coffee Collaborators is serious about bringing consumers a remarkable coffee experience. They even have teams of coffee experts ranging from GCB hunters, agriculturists, professional trainers, certified Q and R graders, cuppers, roasters, and seasoned baristas to support all programs and initiatives Curve does – including the elaborated list above.

They are a brand focused on sustainability, both in practices and partnerships, while putting quality Philippine single-origin coffees from various regions in the spotlight. Curve’s expertise since 2017 and its ethical pursuit to discover more quality local coffee producers solidified itself as a multifaceted,  go-to brand for good, sustainable coffee beans in the Philippines.

To responsibly meet the market's demand means that sustainability should be the priority for everyone in the coffee value chain. According to Statista, the revenue in the Philippine coffee segment amounts to €6.54bn (or around $7.203bn) in 2023. The Philippine coffee market is also expected to grow annually (CAGR) by 5.22% from 2023 to 2025.

Sustainability in the Philippine coffee industry is achievable through open collaboration, cohesive sustainability programs, and equally beneficial partnerships throughout the coffee value chain. These are ongoing efforts, but they certainly need more focus, resources, and intervention to make significant changes with significant results.

GCB buyers can advocate for the quality of Philippine coffee and sustainability at the same time. Coffee brands and roasters can also contribute by protecting, promoting, and elevating the status of Philippine coffee. They can work directly with local farming communities to ensure the industry is sustainable and benefits those involved. Everyone can make a difference, and all it takes is one conscious step.