Youth Engagement in Coffee Next Generation Farmers Training Initiatives

Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Youth Engagement in Coffee Next Generation Farmers Training Initiatives

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Written by Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Introduction:

The global coffee industry is witnessing a shift towards youth engagement, with a focus on training the next generation of farmers. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability and growth of the coffee sector by empowering young farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge. According to recent statistics, the global coffee market is valued at over $100 billion, with production volumes reaching more than 9 million metric tons annually.

Top 20 Youth Engagement in Coffee Next Generation Farmers Training Initiatives:

1. Starbucks Youth in Coffee Initiative
– Starbucks has committed to training over 250,000 young coffee farmers by 2025, with a focus on sustainable farming practices.

2. Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program
– Nespresso works with over 110,000 farmers in 15 countries to provide training on quality coffee production and environmental sustainability.

3. Lavazza Foundation’s Tierra Project
– Lavazza’s Tierra Project focuses on supporting young farmers in Colombia, Honduras, and Peru, providing training on agronomy and business management.

4. Keurig Dr Pepper’s Partnership with Fair Trade USA
– Keurig Dr Pepper partners with Fair Trade USA to provide training and resources to young coffee farmers in Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

5. Peet’s Coffee Next Generation Coffee Program
– Peet’s Coffee supports young farmers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania through their Next Generation Coffee Program, offering training on sustainable farming practices.

6. Illycaffè Università del Caffè
– Illycaffè’s Università del Caffè provides training to young farmers in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia, focusing on improving coffee quality and increasing yields.

7. Tim Hortons Sustainable Coffee Sourcing Program
– Tim Hortons collaborates with young coffee farmers in Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras through their Sustainable Coffee Sourcing Program, offering training on sustainable agricultural practices.

8. Dunkin’ Next Generation Coffee Farmers Training Initiative
– Dunkin’ partners with local organizations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil to train young coffee farmers on best practices for coffee cultivation and processing.

9. Caribou Coffee Farmer Future Program
– Caribou Coffee’s Farmer Future Program supports young farmers in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, providing training on sustainable farming techniques and market access.

10. Costa Coffee Youth Coffee Growers Scheme
– Costa Coffee’s Youth Coffee Growers Scheme works with young farmers in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Vietnam, offering training on coffee production and quality control.

11. McDonald’s McCafé Sustainable Coffee Program
– McDonald’s McCafé Sustainable Coffee Program supports young coffee farmers in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, providing training on sustainable farming methods and environmental conservation.

12. Kicking Horse Coffee Future Generation Farmers Initiative
– Kicking Horse Coffee’s Future Generation Farmers Initiative focuses on training young farmers in Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, with a focus on organic and fair trade practices.

13. Blue Bottle Coffee Young Farmers Development Project
– Blue Bottle Coffee partners with young farmers in Kenya, Rwanda, and El Salvador through their Young Farmers Development Project, offering training on specialty coffee production.

14. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Youth Coffee Training Program
– Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ Youth Coffee Training Program supports young farmers in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, providing training on sustainable farming techniques and quality control.

15. Intelligentsia Coffee Next Generation Coffee Growers Initiative
– Intelligentsia Coffee’s Next Generation Coffee Growers Initiative works with young farmers in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama, offering training on coffee cultivation and processing.

16. Counter Culture Coffee Youth Coffee Farmers Partnership
– Counter Culture Coffee partners with young farmers in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru through their Youth Coffee Farmers Partnership, providing training on sustainable agriculture and coffee processing.

17. Ritual Coffee Roasters Young Farmer Development Program
– Ritual Coffee Roasters’ Young Farmer Development Program supports young farmers in Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, offering training on organic farming practices and quality control.

18. Verve Coffee Roasters Future Generation Coffee Growers Project
– Verve Coffee Roasters’ Future Generation Coffee Growers Project works with young farmers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, providing training on specialty coffee production and market access.

19. Equator Coffees Young Coffee Producers Initiative
– Equator Coffees’ Young Coffee Producers Initiative supports young farmers in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, offering training on sustainable farming practices and community development.

20. Blue Mountain Coffee Youth Empowerment Program
– Blue Mountain Coffee’s Youth Empowerment Program focuses on training young farmers in Jamaica, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to produce high-quality coffee beans.

Insights:

The trend of youth engagement in coffee next generation farmers training initiatives is crucial for the future sustainability of the coffee industry. By investing in the education and empowerment of young farmers, companies and organizations are ensuring the continued growth and quality of coffee production worldwide. With the global coffee market expected to reach $134 billion by 2025, it is essential to support and promote these youth initiatives to secure the future of the industry. Additionally, by focusing on sustainable farming practices and quality control, these programs are not only benefiting the young farmers involved but also contributing to the overall success and reputation of the coffee sector.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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