Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/581281
16 STiR tea & coffee industry international / Issue 5, 2015 (October/November) STiR: Climate change and variability have greatly affected coffee producing countries. What can FNC do to address this issue? Vélez: During the past five years, FNC has fo- cused its efforts on changing coffee trees for more productive and rust-resistant varieties through ambitious plant renovation programs reaching all over Colombia. These efforts, which have resulted in renovating more than three billion coffee trees, have improved the productive capacity of nearly 550,000 small coffee growers. In fact, FNC reno- vation is an international reference for fellow cof- fee producers and other agricultural producers of perennial crops around the world. Additionally, FNC's r&d center, Cenicafe, developed the agro-climatic platform, which al- lows any producer to know in almost real time the fluctuation of temperature within their region. For example, growers can be warned of the need to institute pest controls. STiR: What are some ways FNC prioritizes the well-being of Colombia's coffee growers and guarantees the competitiveness of Colombia's coffee industry? Vélez: FNC employs a 1,500-strong extension service, which provides technical support and assis- tance to coffee growers throughout Colombia. Due to renovation there are more than 420,000 coffee growers with more resistant varieties. Coffee grow- ers benefited from increased production and reve- nue, improving their quality of life. The Colombian model of teaching coffee growers to employ more sustainable practices is one that has spread through- out the country, leading to a more competitive and technologically advanced industry. STiR: Nowadays, consumers are more conscious of the products they are purchasing and the importance of sustain- ability. How does FNC prioritize sustainability? Vélez: All FNC initiatives revolve around sustainability, which is a long-term and perma- nent goal that has economic, environmental, and social implications. FNC has been committed to the sustainability of the coffee industry for the last 88 years. Our challenge, however, is to create an unprecedented sustainability model for the indus- try. We are in the process of developing a sustain- ability manifesto that will solidify Colombia as the first coffee producing country with a sustainability policy in place. FNC places emphasis on sustainability. We recognize that there are many vulnerabilities that could potentially affect the coffee industry and coffee growers. We need to work diligently to be prepared for unforeseen risks, ensuring that the Colombian coffee industry will continue to thrive for future generations. STiR: How has FNC contributed to the pacification of Colombia's regions? Vélez: Coffee has undoubtedly been a socially and economically stabilizing factor that has signifi- cantly contributed to the pacification of Colom- bia's coffee region. FNC has played a key role in the execution of development programs and the building of social capital to improve the standard of living and the social stability of many coffee growing regions, which today are the most pros- perous and least violent areas of rural Colombia. FNC's efforts to promote peace in the coffee regions can serve as a model for other institutions in the context of the current peace process that the Colombian government and the country's larg- est left-wing rebel group are negotiating, and in an eventual post-conflict scenario. STiR: What kind of support system does FNC work with and how will that help you achieve your goals? Vélez: FNC works closely with Colombian government entities including the presidency, the ministry of agriculture and rural development, the ministry of education, as well as other institu- tions such as SENA, departmental governments and municipalities. International partners include: The IADB, a number of coffee brand and clients, NGO´s such as Better than Cash Alliance, as well as the government of the Netherlands, among others. This network helps provide support for the many initiatives we carry out on a regular basis. STiR: What do your foresee as the main challenges during your tenure? Vélez: We have to work on reducing risks for coffee growers, which in turn create the condi- tions for coffee growers becoming unprofitable. Climate change and variability is also an impend- ing threat to all coffee growing regions; however, we are more prepared than most to face these challenges head on due to the developments of Cenicafe. Finally, we have to provide the condi- tions for making sure the next generation of coffee growers have a good quality of life, which will en- sure that we continue growing the highest quality coffee in the world. Daniel Chica plays Profesor Yarumo, the symbol of FNC´s 1,500 strong extension service. He shares a cup of coffee with FNC's new c.e.o.