Muhammad Ibrahim, an agronomist and global development expert representing Guyana as its candidate for the presidency of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), recently addressed the 26th Latin American Coffee Symposium in El Salvador. With over 600 attendees, the event served as a platform for Ibrahim to discuss the pressing need for innovative technologies and supportive public policies to bridge productivity gaps in coffee farming, particularly for small-scale producers.
In his keynote speech, Ibrahim highlighted the impact of European Union regulations aimed at reducing deforestation on regional coffee cultivation. He emphasized that IICA and its partners are actively collecting data to demonstrate how sustainable coffee practices can address environmental challenges. These practices not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also help strengthen rural communities, potentially reducing migration pressures.
The Latin American Coffee Symposium, organized in part by PROMECAFE—a network of coffee institutions from various countries—brings together experts, producers, and international agencies committed to advancing the regional coffee industry. Ibrahim’s presentation offered a detailed look at the future of the coffee sector, stressing the need for technological and policy innovations to drive modernization. He argued that small producers require targeted public policies to enhance sustainability and improve their quality of life through increased incomes.
Drawing on his extensive experience in sustainable agriculture, Ibrahim discussed collaborative projects involving IICA, PROMECAFE, CATIE, and CIRAD. These initiatives aim to reshape the narrative around coffee by promoting sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. He identified several challenges facing the industry, including price volatility, rising input costs, trade barriers, and climate change. Despite these hurdles, Ibrahim pointed to the growing global demand for coffee and the potential for agroecological practices and agroforestry systems to transition toward regenerative coffee farming.
Ibrahim also commended IICA’s role in developing standards and policies to expand the use of bio-inputs, such as biopesticides and biofertilizers, in coffee and broader agriculture. He noted that these efforts align with consumer demands to reduce the reliance on pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, reflecting a broader shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
The implications of Ibrahim’s address are significant for the coffee industry, particularly in Latin America. By advocating for the adoption of innovative technologies and supportive public policies, he underscores the potential for small-scale producers to thrive in a competitive market while addressing environmental concerns. The focus on sustainability and resilience could help the region’s coffee industry navigate challenges such as climate change and regulatory pressures, ensuring long-term viability and growth.