Coffee Policy

Abstract

A frank and thorough assessment of what has worked and what has not in one of the world's most important coffee producing countries. Prepared for the transition of a new presidency and federal administration by a team of leading experts from across the spectrum of thinking on the topic.

The paper succinctly reviews the anatomy and evolution of the sector as one of the drivers of modern Colombian development and then places its current status in the context of emerging market conditions and demands. It diagnoses main sectoral issues including the changing role of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, arguably one of the world's pre-eminent coffee institutions, to suggest options for its adaptation toward the changing nature of demand and toward increasingly differentiated markets. It also covers a thorough set of policy recommendations to address: competitive foci, accountability, subsidies, smallholders and the rural poor, diversification and risk management.

Keywords: Colombia, coffee, sustainability, policy, National Federation of Coffee Growers, markets, policy, competitiveness, accountability , subsidies, smallholders, rural poor, diversification, risk management