WCR Largest Collaborative Breeding Programme: Specialty coffee enthusiasts have long been captivated by the discovery of new and rare arabica varieties, as well as unique coffee species. Whether it’s baristas in world championships showcasing “forgotten” and exclusive coffees or innovative hybrid varieties aimed at aiding farmers in the face of climate change, these coffees hold significant value and occupy a cherished niche in the industry.
Behind the scenes, extensive research and breeding programs are the unsung heroes responsible for bringing forth many of these exceptional varieties. One such example is the Innovea Global Coffee Breeding Network initiated by World Coffee Research (WCR) in November 2022. This collaborative effort, involving WCR and its partners, has yielded new and improved breeding populations poised to benefit coffee producers across several countries.
A groundbreaking moment occurred on August 30, 2023, when WCR announced the distribution of the first 5,000 “genetically unique” seeds developed through the Innovea Global Coffee Breeding Network to seven partner countries. This milestone signifies a significant leap forward in the largest cooperative coffee breeding program witnessed in the last half-century. Importantly, it holds the potential to catalyze substantial transformations within the global specialty coffee sector.
To delve deeper into this groundbreaking initiative, I had the privilege of speaking with Hanna Neuschwander.
Exploring the innovae global coffee breeding network
The Innovea Global Coffee Breeding Network, spearheaded by World Coffee Research (WCR), stands out as one of the most extensive collaborative efforts in coffee research worldwide. Launched officially during the 2022 Sintercafe International Coffee Week, this initiative boasts a robust coalition of partners from nine countries:
- Instituto del Café in Costa Rica
- Central Coffee Research Institute in India
- Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute
- Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation
- Chapingo Autonomous University in Mexico
- Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria
- Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board
- National Coffee Research Institute in Uganda
- United States Department of Agriculture
Supported by funding from over 175 international WCR members, the network facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge coffee genetic materials among participating countries. This collaborative framework empowers nations to access novel genetic resources, enabling them to advance final variety development and ongoing breeding efforts. In essence, Innovea serves as a vital conduit for the dissemination and utilization of science-driven solutions aimed at promoting sustainable coffee production globally.
The significance of sharing genetically unique coffee varieties
In a recent announcement, World Coffee Research (WCR) disclosed its dispatch of over 5,000 seeds to seven out of its nine partner organizations, marking the initial stride in a global, collaborative endeavor aimed at reshaping the future of coffee.
On average, each participating country received between 800 to 900 seeds. The overarching objective of the initiative is to cultivate 300 mature coffee trees in each of the nine designated Innovea research plots. Notably, all 5,000 seeds boast distinct genetic profiles, heralding a realm of opportunities for crafting novel coffee varieties to serve various purposes.
Hanna Neuschwander, serving as the Strategy and Communications Director at WCR, elucidates the significance of this milestone. “For the first time in over five decades, global coffee breeding programs are being enriched with a substantial influx of new breeding materials, which they are empowered to utilize for their own varietal development,” she affirms. “The seeds distributed to our partner countries represent the future of coffee cultivation.”
Neuschwander underscores the pivotal role of these seeds in fortifying the resilience and profitability of coffee farmers amidst the challenges posed by the climate crisis. “From this diverse array of seeds, the most promising ones will evolve into new varieties capable of bolstering farmers’ sustainability and economic viability,” she explains. “These varieties are poised to serve as cornerstones in fostering quality and sustainable coffee production for generations to come.”
Enhancing prospects for future coffee cultivation
The Innovea program is still in its infancy, yet partner countries have already commenced genetic testing on individual plants. The World Coffee Research (WCR) organization states its intention to collaborate with partners to finalize the selection of seeds for planting in its research plots, with data collection on thousands of plants set to begin soon. Planting of some selected seeds is scheduled to start as early as September 2023.
Hanna, a representative from WCR, explains, “The seeds currently shipped mark just the beginning of the project. The overarching aim of Innovea is to deliver successive batches of improved plants to participating countries every three to six years, each iteration surpassing the previous one in quality.”
In a joint press release, two WCR partners shared their perspectives on participating in the initiative.
Xinia Chaves Quiros, Director of ICAFE, expressed, “Through this collaborative network, we can achieve breakthroughs that would be unattainable if each country pursued breeding efforts independently. Costa Rica eagerly embraces this opportunity, foreseeing accelerated development and dissemination of superior coffee varieties to farmers.“
Dr. Senthil Kumar, Director of Research at the CCRI, added, “This network amalgamates a diverse array of high-performing varieties from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, forging unprecedented breeding possibilities. India is enthusiastic about leveraging this platform to tailor varieties that cater to farmers’ evolving needs, ensuring our resilience to climate challenges.”
How might this impact the coffee industry?
The assessment of the full impact of the Innovea breeding program by WCR will require years of diligent observation. Nonetheless, there is no denying that this network presents a thrilling opportunity for the coffee industry to enhance its resilience and sustainability.
In the face of the escalating threat posed by climate change, such research endeavors have never been more crucial.
“Innovea marks a significant milestone as it brings together countries from the world’s three major coffee-producing regions. Despite their competition in the global market, they are collaborating to expedite genetic advancements and bolster resilience against climate challenges,” explains Hanna.
She emphasizes, “The coffee varieties cultivated today are the outcome of research and breeding efforts conducted several decades ago. Similarly, the breeding initiatives underway today will be pivotal for securing the future of coffee farming and consumption for generations to come.”
Addressing the climate crisis
The Innovea program is still in its infancy, but partner countries have already commenced genetic testing on individual plants. The World Coffee Research (WCR) organization has announced its intention to collaborate with partners to select the best seeds for planting in its research plots, with data collection on thousands of plants set to begin. Initial planting is scheduled to start as early as September 2023.
Hanna, a representative of the project, emphasizes that the seeds currently distributed are just the initial phase of the initiative. The overarching aim of Innovea is to periodically provide upgraded batches of improved plants to participating nations every three to six years, each iteration surpassing the previous one in quality and performance.
In a joint press release, two WCR partners expressed their commitment to the project.
Xinia Chaves Quiros, Director of ICAFE, highlighted the collaborative nature of the network, stating that it opens avenues for achieving results beyond what could be accomplished within the confines of a single country. Costa Rica is eagerly participating in this endeavor, anticipating the development of superior varieties and their rapid dissemination to farmers.
Dr. Senthil Kumar, Director of Research at the CCRI, emphasized the unprecedented opportunity presented by the network’s amalgamation of diverse, high-performing varieties from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. India sees great potential in this collaboration to develop varieties tailored to farmers’ needs and to bolster resilience to climate challenges.
How specialty coffee is revolutionizing the way we enjoy our daily brew
While arabica comprises approximately 60% of the coffee market, its prominence in the specialty coffee sector exposes it to significant risks from climate change. Studies suggest that many regions currently suitable for arabica cultivation may become unsuitable in the future, impacting both yields and quality. This necessitates adaptation or exploration of alternatives for specialty coffee.
While emerging varieties like Coffea eugenioides and Ombligon have gained attention in competitions and upscale cafes, they pose challenges such as lower yields and greater resource demands for producers, hindering scalable production. Similarly, Innovea’s extensive collection of unique coffee varieties offers potential but requires time and resources to assess their benefits for producers.
Hanna emphasizes Innovea’s focus on developing new coffee varieties rather than relying solely on existing arabica and robusta strains. With decades of research behind it, the breeding program holds promise for transforming the specialty coffee industry’s future.
Climate change stands as a paramount challenge for the coffee industry, necessitating adaptive strategies. Programs like Innovea are crucial in navigating and mitigating these challenges, offering hope for the industry’s resilience.
To ensure the thriving of specialty coffee, the industry must evolve to confront impending challenges, with the development of resilient varieties being a crucial aspect of the solution.
FAQs:
