Coffee growing and the Australian climate: the perfect blend

A new resource that is set to transform the Australian coffee-growing was launched on Saturday 24 August at an event in Mareeba, QLD.

The Australian Coffee Growers' Manual will for the first time provide coffee growers across Australia with cutting-edge knowledge and best practices for coffee growing tailored to Australia's unique climatic zones.

The manual has been co-developed and funded by AgriFutures Australia with support from the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA) as part of AgriFutures work to promote and develop emerging rural industries. Co-authored by horticulture experts David Peasley and Jos Webber, the Manual is an extensive guide designed to support both established and prospective coffee growers. Developed to allow for regular research updates, the Manual covers all aspects of coffee cultivation, from site selection and plantation establishment to pest management and harvesting techniques. It emphasises sustainable practices and biosecurity measures, helping to ensure that Australian coffee remains free from major pests and diseases.

Senior Manager of Levied and Emerging Industries, AgriFutures Australia, Ellen Buckle said the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual is a much sought after resource.

"The Australian Coffee Growers' Manual is a pivotal tool for expanding our high-quality coffee production. With the increasing domestic and international demand for unique Australian coffee, it provides the foundational knowledge needed to enhance our industry's growth and sustainability," Ms Buckle said.

Key Features of the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual include:

• Comprehensive guidance: detailed sections on biosecurity, coffee tree physiology, site preparation, and plantation management
• Sustainability focus: minimal use of pesticides and alignment with community expectations for environmental sustainability
• Expert insights: contributions from industry stakeholders and practical experiences from Australian coffee growers
• Regular updates: the Manual is designed to be a living document, incorporating new research and industry developments over time.

Jos Webber, co-author of the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual said it is a resource designed to expand the Australian coffee growing industry and is targeted at both potential new growers as well as those existing growers.

"Our goal is to equip Australian coffee growers with the expertise needed to produce exceptional coffee sustainably. By sharing our combined experiences and knowledge, we hope to foster a thriving coffee-growing industry that meets the increasing demand for locally grown, high-quality coffee," Mr Webber said.

The project builds on AgriFutures Australia's previous investments in the coffee industry including the Australian Coffee Strategic RD&E Plan, Defining terroir of Australian coffee to increase demand and investment and Ten reasons for growing and drinking Australian Coffee.

The manual will be available to order free of charge to interested industry people via our online order form.

For more information on AgriFutures' coffee investments
Subscribe to the Emerging Industries mailing list
Download the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual

Media enquiries:
Ingrid Lee-Scott
Dentsu Creative Public Relations
0410 047 767

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