Starbucks announces 100 million coffee trees distributed globally

Starbucks has announced that, through sustained agronomy research and farmer collaboration, farmers in El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico have now received 100 million coffee trees grown from varieties selected for their performance in climate adverse conditions, delivering on a goal set in 2017 with support from Conservation International. An additional 50 million trees are being committed to donate to farms in strategic origins such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras, among others.

Coffee is at serious risk from climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more frequent pest and disease outbreaks are shrinking the land where high-quality arabica coffee can grow.

At the same time, global demand for coffee continues to rise. Most coffee farmers are being asked to adapt within a single harvest cycle, while developing new coffee plants that can withstand these changes often require years of research and investment.

Coffee trees bred to thrive under tougher growing conditions are now being planted at scale, giving farmers a way to replace vulnerable plants, strengthen yields and better navigate changing weather.

Reaching 100 million trees marks real progress, turning years of research and farmer collaboration into action on farms around the world. However, continued investment in research, farmer support and responsible sourcing will be essential to secure coffee’s future.