Starbucks Invests in New Costa Rica and Guatemala Farms to Combat Climate Change

In a strategic move to safeguard its coffee supply against the adverse effects of climate change, Starbucks has announced plans to invest in two new agricultural ventures in Costa Rica and Guatemala. As global coffee production faces increasing challenges from extreme weather, including rising temperatures and unexpected frosts in Brazil, the company aims to study the adaptability and resilience of its hybrid coffee plants in varying environmental conditions.

Starbucks, one of the largest coffee purchasers globally, is embarking on this initiative to develop more robust coffee varieties that can withstand the pressures of climate change. The new farms will facilitate research into how these plants perform at different elevations and in diverse soil compositions. This effort seeks not only to combat issues like soil depletion but also to tackle technological and labor challenges in the coffee industry, fostering more sustainable production methods.

This investment is a component of Starbucks' broader strategy to climate-proof its coffee production. The company plans to extend its research operations to additional farms across Africa and Asia as part of this comprehensive initiative. By expanding its network of experimental farms, Starbucks intends to enhance its understanding of various agricultural systems and improve its capacity to innovate in response to climate challenges.

The move underscores Starbucks' commitment to sustainability and its proactive stance on climate adaptation in the agricultural sector. As part of the company's ethos, this step not only aims to secure a reliable supply of coffee amidst growing environmental concerns but also to contribute positively to the communities and ecosystems involved in its production.