This is Part 5 of a five-part series examining the lived experience of smallholder coffee farmers operating within volatile markets. In this episode, Ana Donneys reflects on whether there is a viable path forward in 2026 and beyond.
Read MoreThis is Part 4 of a five-part series examining the lived experience of volatility for smallholder coffee farmers. In this episode, Ana Donneys discusses risk redistribution, generational change, innovation at origin, and the responsibility of the entire value chain to work together long term.
Read MoreThis is Part 3 of a five-part series examining the lived experience of volatility for smallholder coffee farmers. In this episode, Ana Donneys explains why recent price levels have not translated into real profitability at farm level.
Read MoreThis is Part 2 of a five-part series examining the reality of being a smallholder coffee farmer in volatile markets. In this episode, Ana Donneys explains the lived experience of direct trade — including capital requirements, delayed payments, and risk distribution at origin.
Read MoreThis is Part 1 of a five-part series examining the reality of being a smallholder coffee farmer operating within volatile markets. In this episode, Ana Donneys from Cafe Primitivo in Colombia explains what volatility actually looks like at farm level, beyond the headlines about high prices.
Read MoreWelcome to the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.
Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.
When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Ana discuss the critical importance of regenerative farming for the future of coffee production amidst climate change and market volatility.
The conversation covers the increasing consumer demand for high-quality coffee, the challenges of growing Arabica beans, and the potential rise of Robusta coffee.
Ana shares her optimism and belief in the power of relationships and direct connections within the coffee industry.
The episode also explores the impact of major market players, such as Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, on coffee prices and supply.
As the coffee sector faces unprecedented changes, the emphasis on regenerative agriculture and sustaining farmer livelihoods becomes crucial.
This insightful discussion aims to inform and inspire both coffee producers and consumers about the evolving landscape of the coffee industry.
Read MoreWelcome to the 4th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.
Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.
When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Ana dive deep into the challenges facing coffee producers in today's volatile market. They discuss the drastic price changes in the coffee futures market and its impact on the coffee supply chain.
From the historical context leading up to the current crisis to the everyday struggles and anxieties faced by producers like Ana, this episode uncovers the harsh realities of the coffee industry.
Also examined the contributing factors such as climate change, labor shortages, and the impact of global events like the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Amidst all this turmoil, the importance of sustainable relationships and realistic pricing is emphasized as potential solutions.
Additionally, this episode highlights perceptions of greed among coffee producers and aims to clarify the bigger picture affecting the entire supply chain. Don’t miss the riveting discussion on what the future holds for the coffee industry.
Read MoreWelcome to the 3rd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.
Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.
When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.
In this series, we explore this moment of volatility in the coffee market from the perspective of the next generation of coffee farmers.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Ana explore the challenges and opportunities in the coffee industry from the perspective of a modern coffee farmer.
Ana shares her experiences dealing with fluctuating markets, unscrupulous buyers, and the shift in generational attitudes towards valuing quality over cost.
She also discusses the importance of building sustainable and equitable relationships within the coffee value chain.
This episode highlights how the new generation of coffee producers, armed with advanced education and innovative approaches, are revolutionizing the industry.
Ana's journey and the vital partnerships she built with importers like Yellow Rooster and Belco underscore the episode.
Additionally, this episode includes insights into maintaining hope in uncertain times and making strategic partnerships that align with core values. Get an in-depth view of the economic and emotional landscape of coffee production in today's world.
Read MoreWelcome to the 2nd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.
Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.
When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.
In this series, we explore this moment of volatility in the coffee market from the perspective of the next generation of coffee farmers.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Ana from discuss the current market volatility in the coffee industry.
Ana explains how market uncertainty and price fluctuations have impacted coffee producers, especially small to medium-sized farms.
She shares insights into the difficulties faced by farmers, such as the struggle to forecast market demands, price drops, and the inability to hold onto their harvest due to financial constraints.
The episode also highlights the issue of defaulting on contracts and the broader economic and environmental challenges such as climate change and the impact of La Nina.
Ana provides a glimpse into the resilience and adaptive strategies of coffee producers, mentioning efforts towards regenerative practices and sustainable farming.
The episode underscores the importance of relationships within the coffee community and the potential future role of younger generations in shaping the industry.
Special thanks to Angel Barrero for his role in connecting the coffee community.
Read MoreWelcome to the first episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.
Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.
When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.
In this series, we explore this moment of volatility in the coffee market from the perspective of the next generation of coffee farmers.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Ana shares her journey as a fifth-generation coffee producer from Quindío, Colombia, the challenges of entering the industry during market lows, and her determination to innovate and sustain her family legacy.
The conversation delves into the highs and lows of her first five years, the impact of market prices on her business, and the importance of building strong, lasting relationships in the specialty coffee sector.
This episode also highlights the challenges of 2020, the significance of direct trade relationships, and the transformative effects of market volatility in 2024.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of coffee production and the resilience required to thrive in the industry.
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