Organizations representing coffee farmers from around the world will meet in Brazil next week as the industry goes through one of the most difficult times when prices barely cover production costs and drive farmers out of business.
The Brazilian city of Campinas, in the southeastern state of São Paulo, will host the 2nd World Forum of Coffee Manufacturers July 10-11.
The organizers of the world conference declare that the main goal of this year's meeting is to find ways to increase the economic sustainability of manufacturers.
“We need to discuss alternatives to increase farmers' incomes,” said Vanusia Nogueira, one of the organizers of the forum.
Coffee prices in New York reached a 12-year low in May at 86 cents per pound. They have recovered a bit lately, mainly due to expectations of a harsh winter in Brazil, but are still at around 110 cents per pound, which many manufacturers consider unsustainable.
The Colombian Coffee Federation offered coffee prices of 2 pounds per pound this week to ensure fair returns for producers and prevent farmers from cutting back on production or abandoning the sector.