Lutheran World Relief to Convene Temu Kopi Sumatra 2015

Lutheran World Relief will bring together representatives from across the coffee value chain for two days of discussions on the successes, challenges and opportunities in Sumatran coffee production at the third annual Temu Kopi Forum.

Temu Kopi Sumatra 2015 will be held on November 3-4, 2015 in Medan, Indonesia.

Coffee farming is a key source of income for many small-scale Indonesian farmers. Today, more than 90% of Indonesia’s coffee is produced by smallholder farmers, and is an important means of lifting farming families out of poverty.

The Temu Kopi Sumatra 2015 will explore ways to improve farmers’ incomes by improving coffee quality, fighting crop diseases caused by climate change, and helping growers to access credit and markets. Topics for panel discussion include the effect of climate change on coffee crops; an examination of the Sumatran coffee value chain; ideas for improving coffee quality and quantity; and helping farmer cooperatives to access financial services.

Forum attendees will have the opportunity to participate in cupping sessions and site visits to one of LWR’s coffee projects in Lintong or Gayo, as well as to network with key players in the Sumatran coffee value chain (producers, exporters, buyers, and roasters).

Sumatra has become a key player in the international coffee industry, propelling Indonesia into the 3rd largest coffee producer in the world, accounting for 8.8% of the global supply. Coffee became a cash crop for many smallholder farmers by the 1920s. The large Dutch coffee plantations in Java were nationalized in the 1950’s.

For more information, please visit the Temu Kopi Sumatra 2015 website: lwr.org/temukopi

About Lutheran World Relief

Lutheran World Relief works to improve the lives of smallholder farmers and people experiencing poverty in Africa, Asia and Latin America, both in times of emergencies and for the long term. With the financial support of US Lutherans and other donors, LWR strengthens communities through programs in agriculture, climate, and emergency support. LWR works with partners, supporters and technical assistance providers to achieve lasting results. Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans, serving communities living in poverty overseas. For more information, visit lwr.org.