EP 1539 – Part 4 of 5: Smallholder Coffee Farmers and Volatility — Redistributing Risk | Ana Donneys
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Episode Description
This is Part 4 of a five-part series, The Reality of Being a Smallholder Coffee Farmer in Volatility, with Ana Donneys from Cafe Primitivo in Colombia.
In this episode, we move from diagnosis to responsibility.
After examining yield loss, currency shifts, financial market instability, and the lived experience of volatility, we now ask what it will take to move forward together as value chain partners.
Ana emphasizes that redistribution of risk will only come through real conversations across the value chain. Producers must understand the pressures faced by roasters and buyers, but buyers must also understand that smallholders are carrying climate, currency, and market risk simultaneously.
She also speaks directly to producers. This is a moment where smallholder farmers must see themselves not as “the poor part” of the supply chain, but as business owners. That means improving efficiency, understanding cost structures, adopting regenerative practices, using data, and leveraging new tools including AI to forecast production and manage risk more intelligently.
We also discuss generational transition. If the next generation of producers does not see a viable value proposition in coffee, they will leave. And if producers decide not to sell when conditions are unfair, the industry must be prepared for that reality.
This episode challenges every stakeholder. Producers must grow into their power. Roasters must understand they operate in a commodity business, not just hospitality. Consumers must be educated about what cheap coffee truly costs at origin.
Moving forward requires courage, transparency, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Guest links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeprimitivo/
Website: https://www.cafeprimitivocolombia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anadonneys/