A three-year research project conducted by UK-based fair trade company, Cafédirect, evaluated the sensitivity to global warming of small-scale coffee and tea farmers in Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. The study found that growers have already been moving to higher altitudes as temperatures rise across the globe. Moreover, their yields have been noted to fall, such as in Peru, where annual coffee and tea harvests have decreased by 40 percent, and Mexico which saw a 50 percent annual loss in yields next to the country’s average seven percent decrease.

Citing some of the specific global warming effects, Cafédirect’s Chief Executive Officer Anne MacCaig said, “A huge number of growers are now experiencing increased instances of pestilence and disease from rises in temperature. They are also facing prolonged drought and changing weather patterns.”
According to the study, 30 million small farmers could be impacted with up to a 90 percent drop in income.

Cafédirect researchers, we appreciate your work that clearly documents the damaging consequences of climate change. Let us step quickly toward sustainable lifestyles so that all beings may once again prosper.
Ever-concerned for humanity’s survival, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed the warming effects faced by farmers and indeed the world during a May 2009 videoconference in Togo, while also highlighting what everyone can do to solve them.


Reference
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/oct/10/climate-change-fairtrade-food
http://www.cafedirect.co.uk/our_business/press/contactus/