nEWS
Peru Coffee Study Underscores Environmental Benefits of Organic Production.
Janeth Detomal
20/11/2024
A recent study from Peru sheds light on the environmental advantages of organic coffee production, highlighting key practices that influence carbon emissions. Conducted by the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, the research emphasizes how transitioning to organic methods could benefit both the environment and Peru’s global reputation as an organic coffee leader.
The Environmental Impact of Coffee Production
The study employed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to measure the carbon footprint of coffee, spanning from seedling to export warehouse.
Key Findings: Synthetic fertilizers and untreated coffee pulp were identified as the largest contributors to emissions. Cultivation and harvesting accounted for 59% of emissions, followed by wet processing (22%) and transport (19%).
Variability in Practices: Emissions varied based on fertilizer use and whether coffee pulp was composted. Farms not composting pulp saw a carbon footprint 138% higher per kilo.
Organic Coffee: A Sustainable Advantage
Peru is a leader in organic coffee production, with 90,000 certified organic hectares, yet many growers produce organic coffee without certification.
Certification Challenges: Smallholder farmers often cannot afford certification costs, despite using organic practices.
Market Potential: Growing global demand for organic-certified products positions Peru’s coffee sector to gain from increased focus on sustainable farming.
Composting: A Key to Reducing Emissions
The study underscores the importance of composting coffee pulp as a sustainable practice for organic waste management.
Benefits of Composting:
Composting transforms waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer, improving soil health and significantly reducing emissions.
Cost-Effective Solution:
It offers a practical, affordable way for farmers to enhance their sustainability practices while maintaining productivity.
The full study, titled Carbon footprint of organic coffee: Peruvian case study, is available in the journal Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy.
