Category: Agriculture

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“In the long run, we are all dead” – Some thoughts on coffee macroeconomics and possible countercyclical action

This is part of a multi-part blog series following up on my talk at the SCA’s Re:Co Symposium. In my talk, inter alia I argued that differentiation strategies may not be enough to solve fundamental macroeconomic issues; rather, I called for a holistic ‘sprinkler solution’ to the ‘macro-economic fire’ the sector is facing. This blog … Continue reading “In the long run, we are all dead” – Some thoughts on coffee macroeconomics and possible countercyclical action

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When Is Hug A Farmer Day? Of Farmers’ Mental Health and Suicide

The other day, I was researching health externalities of our current food system and came across a shocking statistic: In many countries in the world, farmers are more than twice as likely as the general population to commit suicide. They are frequently cited as the occupational group most likely to have suicidal thoughts and follow through … Continue reading When Is Hug A Farmer Day? Of Farmers’ Mental Health and Suicide

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North and South American Food Links (Link Roundup)

This week there has been some seriously great writing about under-the-radar topics that concern food and agriculture, but provide more general insights on the links between countries, sectors and people. I always enjoy link roundups from the blogs and newsletters I follow to get a peek into their reading lists; I hope you will, too! Drought … Continue reading North and South American Food Links (Link Roundup)

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Indonesia’s Forest Fires: Is Ag To Blame?

“I’ve often wondered how the media would respond when eco-apocalypse struck. I pictured the news programmes producing brief, sensational reports, while failing to explain why it was happening or how it might be stopped. Then they would ask their financial correspondents how the disaster affected share prices, before turning to the sport. As you can probably … Continue reading Indonesia’s Forest Fires: Is Ag To Blame?

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The Hardest Job Of All

Who has the hardest job in the coffee value chain? Is it the farmer, who has to create just the right growing conditions for each single coffee plant, countering unpredictable climate, droughts and deluges, pests and diseases and an uncertain economic future year after year? The processor, who has to balance the orders he gets from … Continue reading The Hardest Job Of All