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KARLSTAD, Sweden – Climate change threatens coffee production worldwide, and smallholder farmers are among the most vulnerable on the front lines. The website Coffee&Climate spoke with Kathrine Löfberg, Chair of the initiative for coffee&climate, about 15 years of shaping the future of coffee in a changing climate.
Below, we report an extract of the interview published by coffee&climate.
Looking back over the past 15 years, what inspired the creation of the initiative for coffee&climate (c&c) in the first place?
“We saw the effects of climate change hitting coffee farmers hard, especially small-scale farmers, and realised it was both urgent and possible for us to contribute. The idea was simple: join forces, share knowledge, and take action together.”
What are some of the biggest achievements or milestones that make you most proud as Chairperson of the initiative?
“I’m proud that we’ve moved from talk to action – real tools in farmers’ hands, real change in the fields. And that we’ve built a strong community across countries, companies and cultures, with a shared, long-term commitment to create lasting impact.”
How has the initiative evolved over time to meet the growing challenges of climate change in coffee-growing regions?
“We’ve become more data-driven, more farmer-focused, and more flexible. Climate challenges are changing – and so are we. A key strength has been combining local knowledge and experience with international research to find practical, scalable solutions.”
Can you share a personal story or moment during your time with c&c that deeply moved or inspired you?
“Meeting a farmer in Tanzania who had used our support to start his own nursery bed really moved me. He proudly showed us how he was growing new, more resilient coffee seedlings – not just for his own farm, but to share with others. You could feel his pride and purpose as he spoke about helping his neighbours adapt and thrive. That kind of leadership at farm level – that’s hope in action.”
Climate action can often feel overwhelming. How does c&c ensure that its work stays impactful and relevant on the ground?
“By keeping it practical, local and human. We work hand in hand with farmers to develop solutions that fit their reality – what works here and now, in their specific context. And when something proves effective, we help scale it up and share it across regions, so that more farmers can benefit.”
Innovation has been a driving force behind c&c’s work. How does the initiative foster innovative climate solutions for coffee farmers?
“We test, we adapt, we listen. Innovation for us is about co-creating with farmers – not inventing in a lab far away. By capturing feedback and field experience, and feeding it into our c&c toolbox, we’re able to keep improving and sharing practical solutions that really work.”
Click here for the full interview.
