Low carbon and drought tolerant coffee varieties are bred using traditional techniques

Nestlé plant scientists have developed a new generation of low-carbon coffee varieties through traditional breeding, not genetically modified.

Two varieties of Robusta yield up to 50% higher yield per plant than standard varieties. The new coffee variety is also much more eco-friendly, with a 30% reduction in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), because there is no need for additional soil, fertilizer and energy compared to coffee varieties. Traditional coffee.

Since green coffee beans make up between 40 and 80% of the CO2e emissions of a cup of coffee, this is a significant breakthrough in reducing the environmental impact associated with this popular beverage.

The brand has successfully tested one of the new varieties of coffee and is currently being grown by farmers in Central America. Nestlé is optimistic that this will allow farmers to earn a better living wage thanks to better quality varieties while saving space.

The famous coffee company is also developing new, higher yielding Arabica varieties that have been bred to be more resistant to a plant disease known as coffee leaf rust, as well as a variety. new to resilient to drought. The latter is currently in field trials in Central Africa; It is hoped that this will assist areas affected by climate change.

Research on new plant varieties is conducted by the Nestlé Plant Science Research Center in Tours, France. After the varieties have been tested, the new seedlings will be reproduced and distributed to farmers globally through Nestlé's sustainable sourcing programs and partnerships with institutes and cooperation. local agricultural commune.

H.T (translated from Newfoodmagazine)

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