WCR and Cornell Partner to Lead a $5 Million Coffee Improvement Project
Recently, World Coffee Research (WCR) and Cornell University have partnered to launch a $5 million Coffee Improvement Program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Aimed at fostering the development of high-quality, resilient coffee varieties to support smallholder coffee farmers worldwide, this five-year project focuses on enhancing disease resistance, boosting productivity, and improving coffee quality.
The core focus of the Coffee Improvement Program includes:
- Developing Breeding Tools: Creating tools to identify critical genetic markers, improving breeding accuracy and speed, and developing sensory evaluation tools for both Arabica and Robusta coffee.
- Strengthening Breeding Program Capacity: Providing tools and training for coffee breeders in nine producing countries, equipping them to better address climate and market challenges.
- Researching Seed Systems: Building tools to evaluate seed supply and demand dynamics, improving farmers’ access to high-quality coffee varieties.
This project is part of USAID’s broader $57 million initiative to support sustainable agricultural solutions and strengthen global food security. WCR and Cornell’s Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI) will pioneer and expand the project in the coming years.
Specifically, the Coffee Improvement Program builds on the global Arabica coffee breeding initiative Innovea, launched by the coffee sector in 2022, and will extend to a new Robusta breeding initiative in 2025. By combining a network of global breeding experts with ILCI’s advanced research tools, the program will modernize coffee breeding and ensure that smallholder farmers have access to high-yield, future-ready coffee varieties.
Information collected from WCR
Bài viết mới
- Taste the Origin
Nueva Alianza Pacamara #4733 – The essence of Cusco with elegant jasmine notes
Nueva Alianza Pacamara #4733 is a testament to the miraculous terroir and dedicated cultivation of the renowned Cusco region. The combination of the characteristic Pacamara bean size and ideal altitude has forged a flavor profile of immense sophistication and depth. From the very first moment, this lot captivates with its elegant jasmine notes, radiating a gentle, pure fragrance akin to a flower blooming in the morning dew.
- Taste the Origin
Nueva Alianza Orange Gesha #4737 – An expedition of recessive genetic traits into the sensory realm
In a world of authenticity, Nueva Alianza Orange Gesha #4737 represents the proud emergence of rare biological traits often obscured by nature’s universality. Carrying a recessive genetic code, Lot #4737 embarks on an “expedition” into the connoisseur’s mind, where record-breaking fructose concentrations are released to perfectly fill every sensory gap with absolute smoothness and purity.
Through washed processing and extremely-light roasting, vibrant citrus nuances and ethereal floral notes, once hidden deep within the genetic structure, now manifest with power, transforming the tasting experience into a journey of ontological completion, where the rarity of recessive genes finally reigns supreme in flavor.
- Taste the Origin
Nueva Alianza Maragogipe #4735 – The “Giant” at the center of attention
Amidst a world of countless specialty coffee beans, Nueva Alianza Maragogipe #4735 emerges as a symbol of grandeur, instantly commanding attention with its distinct appearance. Affectionately dubbed the “Giant” for its impressively mutated “Elephant Bean” size, lot #4735 from Nueva Alianza stands as a testament to nature’s wonders in the Cusco region. Yet, its true allure extends far beyond its imposing exterior; hidden within these colossal beans lies a gentle “soul” blooming with pure floral and crystalline fruit notes.
Nueva Alianza Sidra #4736 – The sweetness born from the resilience of the Andes
Unlike the airy aromatic layers so often encountered, a cup of Nueva Alianza Sidra #4736 takes command of the palate through a distinctly physical sense of “weight” the creamy richness of Blueberry Yogurt and the dense, syrupy sweetness of a spoonful of Berry Jam. This shimmering, viscous body, achieved through the traditional Natural process, is the compressed result of the harsh cold currents that sweep across the Andes at 1,820 meters above sea level. At a deeper level, the sheer weight carried within this cup becomes a beautiful metaphor for the iron discipline and resilience of producer Dwight Aguilar Masías a man who has spent his entire life holding his ground, protecting an inherited landscape against the brutal upheavals of time and circumstance.
- Taste the Origin
Ziriguidum #2 – A Proud Rhythm from the Heart of the Cerrado Savanna
In the native language of Brazil, Ziriguidum is an onomatopoeia capturing the powerful, frenetic rhythm of Samba percussion. Yet, as the namesake for the Ziriguidum #2 – Masterpieces Auction 2025 lot, this rhythm takes on a quieter, more profound meaning. It perfectly encapsulates a beautiful natural paradox: the flourishing of the fragile, caffeine-deficient Laurina variety amidst the harsh, arid expanse of the Cerrado savanna.
Rejecting all artificial fermentation techniques, producer Daterra Coffee preserves this pure genetic code through a meticulous Natural process, guided only by the primal sun. To taste Ziriguidum #2 is not merely to experience a sparkling flavor profile; it is an exploration of nature’s resilience, ecological restoration, and the absolute pinnacle of artisanal craft.
- Taste the Origin
Big Tree Estate PB #2516 – A Healing Symphony of the Western Rift Valley
Originating from the majestic Western Rift Valley, Big Tree Estate PB #2516 is an emotional symphony, offering a healing melody to souls seeking tranquility. Crafted from rounded Peaberry beans – the convergence of the highlands’ essence and vital energy, this coffee lot delivers a deep, sweet purity interwoven with pristine aromas and a persistent aftertaste. Behind every cup lies a commitment to the “medical ethics” spirit, manifested through kindness from sustainable cultivation to meticulous processing, honoring both health and the original value of the coffee bean.
Specialty Coffee in Vietnam
BRAND VALUE
YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN
XLIII Coffee has been aiming to become a big, impactful company with social responsibilities,
have access to high-quality raw materials and convey the complete original values of coffee to our customer
