Ground for concern: Climate impacts on arabica coffee yields in Brazil

Over the past five harvest seasons, Brazilian arabica coffee yields have been significantly affected by a series of climate-related events, including frost, heat waves, and drought. Climate-related challenges have become one of the most significant constraints on coffee production in Brazil. With the growing prevalence of extreme weather events and anticipated changes in future temperature and rainfall patterns, implementing robust and adaptive strategies is crucial to safeguard the sector's long-term viability.

Conversations with coffee growers reveal a growing tool kit of strategies aimed at boosting resilience in the face of climate stress. Farmers are increasingly turning to climate- and disease-resilient varieties, as well as exploring other practices (planting shade trees, adjusting plant spacing, using gypsum to promote deeper root development, implementing drip irrigation systems, etc.) in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.