Coffee Leaf Rust Archives

World Coffee Research releases 2025 annual report

Posted on May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by Qahwa World

Qahwa World – Dubai |
May 14, 2026 |
7 min read |
Source: WCR Annual Report 2025

Executive Summary

World Coffee Research released its 2025 annual report covering January 1 to December 31, 2025
Innova Global Coffee Breeding Network named a TIME Best Invention of 2025
Network expands to include robusta coffee with six partner countries producing 64% of global robusta
11 countries now in Innova network, producing 40% of world’s coffee supply
WCR aims to reduce breeding timeline from 30 years to 8 years using genetic markers
10-year IMLVT trial results: Up to half of arabica land could become unsuitable by 2050 due to climate change
$4.96 million in industry contributions; $9.85 million total financial position
Seed system expansions in Peru, Uganda, Guatemala, Honduras to produce millions of new trees annually
WCR helped secure $175 million in U.S. funding for agricultural R&D including coffee

World Coffee Research (WCR) announced the release of its 2025 annual report on December 31, 2025, detailing the expansion of its TIME-recognized Innova Global Coffee Breeding Network into robusta coffee, new data showing that half of current arabica land could become unsuitable by 2050, and seed system expansions across four producing countries.

The report, which covers the period between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, confirmed that WCR’s Innova network has expanded to include Coffea canephora (robusta) breeding, adding Vietnam and Ghana as new national partners. Six countries now participate in robusta breeding: Vietnam, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Rwanda, and Uganda, which together produce 64 percent of the world’s robusta supply. Overall, 11 countries make up the Innova network, producing 40 percent of global coffee supply.

An independent panel of global breeding experts commissioned by WCR’s board of directors reviewed the organization’s breeding programs in early 2025 and described the approach as a “radical step forward” that sets a new bar for coffee breeding worldwide. The Innova network was subsequently named a TIME Best Invention of 2025. The robusta breeding program combines multiple genetic groups, including a collection provided by French research institute CIRAD. Propagation began in 2025, and starting in 2027 each robusta partner will receive 1,000 unique new trees from WCR.

The report detailed that WCR is working to reduce coffee breeding timelines from the traditional 30 years to just 8 years. In 2025, the organization initiated a collaboration with Cenicafe, one of the world’s leading national coffee research institutions, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tropical Agricultural Research Station (USDA TARS) in Puerto Rico to develop low-cost genetic markers for Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), the world’s most economically devastating coffee disease. In 2026, WCR will expand this work to cover Coffee Berry Disease (CBD), Coffee Fruit Rot (CFR), and Coffee Berry Borer (CBB). Once validated between 2025 and 2028, these markers will be publicly released through scholarly publication.

According to the report, 10-year results from the International Multilocation Variety Trial (IMLVT), launched in 2015 with 31 arabica varieties shared by 11 breeding programs, confirmed that coffee leaf rust resistance depends on both genetics and environment. A 2015 study by WCR and CIAT that guided site selection for the trial network identified that up to half of today’s arabica land could become unsuitable for coffee production by 2050. The IMLVT has identified high-performing varieties with strong rust resistance and stable yields. In 2026, WCR will launch CafeClima, a free online platform integrating climate modeling with IMLVT variety performance data to help farmers make data-driven replanting decisions.

WCR installed 10,000 F1 hybrid plantlets across 10 trial sites in Peru, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, planted directly in farmers’ fields through member-led trials. The report also detailed seed system expansions across four countries. In Peru, 10 new arabica seed lots were installed with 8 cooperatives, targeting 15 seed lots by 2028 producing up to 6 million seeds annually. In Uganda, 11 mother gardens for disease-resistant robusta were installed or expanded with national coffee institute NaCORI, targeting over 40 mother gardens by 2028 producing 560,000 trees per year. In Guatemala and Honduras, 12 new seed lots will be installed in 2026, producing 5.4 million seeds annually starting in 2029.

The report highlighted advocacy wins including $175 million secured in FY26 “hard earmarks” for international agricultural R&D through coordinated advocacy by U.S. member companies, with a legal requirement that a portion support coffee research. A separate coalition mobilized $850,000 for Uganda’s coffee future from UNIDO, JDE Peet’s, Lavazza Foundation and The J.M. Smucker Co.

According to the financial section of the report, total contributions earned from the coffee industry in 2025 was $4,962,000. The total year-end financial position reached $9,852,000. Figures are pre-audit. WCR confirmed the commitment of its 194 member companies from 30 countries, with 59 additional companies and individuals providing financial support in 2025. WCR’s knowledge products, including the Coffee Varieties Catalog, Sensory Lexicon, and nursery manuals, were viewed 239,722 times in 195 countries during 2025. The organization also installed a small-batch processing facility at its research farm in El Salvador, custom-designed for breeding programs to process samples from thousands of individual trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Innova Global Coffee Breeding Network?

It is the most ambitious and globally coordinated coffee breeding program in history, bringing together 11 countries to transform coffee breeding and create enhanced genetics at an accelerated pace.

What recognition did WCR receive in 2025?

The Innova network was named a TIME Best Invention of 2025, and an expert panel described WCR’s breeding approach as a “radical step forward” for coffee.

How will climate change affect coffee production according to the report?

A 2015 study by WCR and CIAT that guided the IMLVT trial network found that up to half of today’s arabica land could become unsuitable by 2050.

Which countries are part of the Innova robusta breeding program?

Vietnam, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Rwanda, and Uganda — which together produce 64 percent of the world’s robusta.

How many member companies does WCR have?

194 member companies from 30 countries, with 59 additional companies and individuals providing financial support in 2025.

What is CafeClima?

A free online platform launching in 2026 that integrates climate modeling with variety performance data to help farmers make data-driven replanting decisions.

Honduran coffee production surges to 5.53 million bags

Posted on May 1, 2026May 1, 2026 by Qahwa World

IHCAFE forecasts continued growth in 2026/27 supported by plant nutrition, area expansion, and new plantations; exports rise 7.5% but differentiated coffee share drops sharply in early data.

TEGUCIGALPA — Qahwa World

Honduras will produce 5.53 million 60 kilogram bags of coffee in the 2025/26 marketing year, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous cycle, according to the annual coffee report published by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in Tegucigalpa. Notably, the Honduras coffee production forecast for 2026 indicates production is then forecast to jump another 9 percent to 6.03 million bags in 2026/27, returning the country to output levels last seen in 2021/22.

The projected growth is driven by improved plant nutrition, favorable biennial production cycles, expansion of productive areas, enhanced pruning and crop management practices, and the maturation of newly established coffee plantations. Planted area is expected to grow by about 3 percent, or 10,000 hectares, in 2025/26, largely due to the introduction of the rust resistant Parainema variety. Furthermore, forecasts for Honduras coffee production in 2026 are shaped by these agronomic improvements and varietal shifts.

Honduras, one of Central America’s leading coffee producers and a top global exporter of Arabica, concentrates its crop in six key regions: Copan, Montecillos, Opalaca, Comayagua, El Paraiso, and Agalta. Elevations range between 1,000 and 1,600 meters above sea level, where Bourbon, Catuaí, Caturra, and Typica thrive. Looking ahead, the production forecast for Honduras coffee in 2026 continues to inform regional agricultural strategies.

Production outlook and leaf rust pressure

As of March 2026, coffee leaf rust incidence increased from 7.57 percent to 8.44 percent nationally, triggering a Level 4 yellow alert. The rise reflects higher lesion counts and leaf damage, supported by favorable environmental conditions and the unrestricted movement of harvest workers. Despite localized pressures, overall national rust levels remain relatively contained due to dry season conditions in major producing regions. This has important implications for the Honduras coffee production forecast for 2026, since disease pressure can impact yields.

Table 1: Honduras coffee production & export forecasts (million 60 kg bags)
Marketing year	Production	Exports	Ending stocks
MY 2023/24 (actual)	5.00	4.77	0.081
MY 2024/25 (revised)	5.20	4.96	0.178
MY 2025/26 (forecast)	5.53	5.03	0.435
MY 2026/27 (projection)	6.03	5.50	0.707

Table 2: Coffee leaf rust incidence by selected departments (March 2026)
Department	Incidence (%)
Comayagua	14.08%
Cortes	12.49%
Santa Bárbara	11.17%
Yoro	10.08%
El Paraíso	9.81%
Intibucá	9.27%
Copán	6.76%

Earlier survey data from April 2025 indicated that 16.67 percent of sampled farms had medium rust incidence (5 to 10 percent), 7.80 percent had high incidence (10 to 15 percent), and 21.63 percent recorded very high incidence above 15 percent. Approximately 5 percent of the current crop remained unharvested as of March 2026, while 44 percent was still in the supply chain awaiting export or processing. This context is significant for anyone examining the country’s 2026 coffee production forecast in Honduras.

Prices, Brazil and market volatility

As of late March 2026, coffee reference prices have shown downward pressure, driven by improved global supply expectations and forecasts of a large Brazilian harvest. While prices have eased from early 2026 highs, they remain volatile. Retail prices have not yet adjusted significantly, reflecting typical lags due to contracts and inventories. In summary, the Honduras coffee production outlook for 2026 is closely tied to international price volatility and market forces.

Weather risks in Brazil, including the potential for early frosts in key producing regions, may place upward pressure on global prices in 2026. However, continued market volatility and rising production costs — including higher diesel prices and fertilizer supply uncertainty linked to the Persian Gulf conflict — may constrain producer margins. Price developments will depend on frost events in Brazil between May and July 2026, crop performance in Vietnam and Colombia, and currency movements, especially the BRL USD exchange rate. Meanwhile, these variables are monitored by analysts as they project the 2026 Honduras coffee production forecast.

Exports grow 7.5%, average price eases

Honduran coffee exports are projected to reach 5.03 million bags in 2025/26, a 7.47 percent increase from the revised 4.96 million bags in 2024/25. For 2026/27, exports are forecast to rise another 9 percent to 5.50 million bags. As of April 2026, Honduras had already exported 3.17 million bags, a 38 percent increase from 2.30 million bags during the same period in 2024/25. The average export price was $439.47 per 60 kg bag, a 2.70 percent decrease from $451.70, but total export value jumped 33 percent to $1.39 billion. These impressive results play a pivotal role in shaping the Honduras coffee production forecast for 2026 and future export trends.

Sales contracts for 2025/26 totaled 4.10 million bags, up 27 percent year on year. Honduras has expanded market access, including under its free trade agreement with South Korea, now the eleventh largest export market for coffee. Globally, Honduras ranks as the eighth largest coffee exporter, the third largest in the Americas, and the largest in Central America. Finally, the Honduras coffee production forecast 2026 continues to be an important reference for market participants and policy decisions.

Table 3: Top destinations for Honduran green coffee exports (2025, thousand 60 kg bags)
Country	Volume (1,000 bags)
United States	1,476
Germany	983
Belgium	551
Italy	231
Japan	186
Canada	229
Sweden	149
United Kingdom	147

Domestic consumption and rising imports

Coffee consumption in Honduras is projected to increase 9 percent in 2026/27, supported by modest GDP growth of 3.8 to 4 percent. Per capita apparent consumption is estimated at 4 to 5 kilograms per year. The growing presence of coffee bars in shopping malls, gas stations, and supermarkets, along with a young population consuming diverse coffee drinks, drives demand. Keurig coffee pods and machines are a new trend sold at supermarket chains. It is clear that changing consumption patterns also play into the nation’s coffee production forecast 2026 for Honduras.

Despite being a major producer, Honduras imports coffee to meet domestic demand for soluble coffee and lower cost blends. Total imports are projected to reach 160,000 bags in 2026/27, up 16.8 percent from 137,000 bags in 2025/26. In 2024/25, green coffee bean imports totaled 96,216 bags, primarily from Nicaragua (91,731 bags). Soluble coffee imports from October 2024 through February 2025 reached 30,992 bags, up from 27,516 bags the previous year. Key suppliers included Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, and Costa Rica. Market dynamics that affect imports are increasingly relevant for the Honduras coffee production forecast looking ahead to 2026.

Differentiated coffee: a sharp shift in early 2025/26

During the 2024/25 harvest, 2.6 million 60 kg bags of differentiated coffee (certified and specialty) were sold, accounting for 55 percent of total exports. The five leading certifications were UTZ, Organic, Fair Trade/Organic, 4C, and Rainforest Alliance. However, preliminary data for 2025/26 shows a significant decline: differentiated coffee fell to 37 percent of total volume, or 1.24 million bags exported to date. This 15 percentage point drop may reflect timing of shipments, production challenges, or evolving market dynamics. Final figures will determine if this is a temporary fluctuation or a sustained trend. The results for differentiated segments will ultimately affect 2026 Honduras coffee production forecast calculations.

Table 4: Differentiated coffee production (thousand 60 kg bags, harvest seasons)
Harvest season	Differentiated coffee	Total harvest	% participation
2019/20	3,020	5,506	55%
2020/21	3,220	5,873	55%
2021/22	2,523	4,701	54%
2022/23	3,087	5,342	58%
2023/24	2,610	4,687	56%
2024/25	2,436	4,804	52%
2025/26*	1,242	3,325	37%

* preliminary figures to April 2026. Source: IHCAFE

Specialty coffee in Honduras is typically grown above 3,000 feet. Currently, specialty coffees are produced under 22 programs including UTZ, 4C, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Bird Friendly, Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices, and Cup of Excellence. The overall quality of exported coffee in 2025/26 was classified as 49 percent Strictly High Grown (SHG), 43 percent High Grade (HG), and 9 percent Standard Grade (STD). With specialty coffee trends evolving, analysts will adjust the Honduras coffee production and exports forecast for 2026 accordingly.

Table 5: Quality exports in MY 2025/26 (60 kg bags, to date)
Quality grade	Volume (bags)	Average price (USD)	Share of volume
SHG (Strictly High Grown)	1,618,979	$440.19	49%
HG (High Grade)	1,420,051	$448.27	43%
SL (Screen size >18)	286,479	$361.44	9%

Small producers and policy support

Many small and medium coffee producers face financial constraints, with limited access to credit. According to IHCAFE data for 2024/25, 86,895 small farmers harvested 179,271 hectares and produced 2.63 million bags. Medium producers (6,359 farmers) produced 1.66 million bags, and 374 large farmers produced 515,533 bags. Their contributions are notable in the broader context of the Honduras coffee production forecast for 2026.

Table 6: Producers by size, area harvested and production (2024/25)
Farmer type	Farmers registered	Area harvested (Ha)	Production (60 kg bags)
Small	86,895	179,271	2,627,164
Medium	6,359	85,040	1,661,733
Large	374	21,246	515,533

The government has implemented several measures to support the sector, including a sales tax exemption on coffee (Decree 352 2022) that provides fiscal relief of approximately $183 million. IHCAFE’s “Renew without stopping Production” program supports 33,000 producers covering 250,000 blocks. A climate change policy aims to foster resilience through six five year phases from 2022 to 2050. The National Coffee Council, the highest regulatory body, guides policy on production, climate change, labor, and gender inclusion. The sector adopted a Gender Inclusion Policy in 2021. Policy initiatives such as these directly impact Honduras coffee production forecasts for 2026 and beyond.

As of March 2026, IHCAFE continues providing technical support to help growers meet the European Union Deforestation Regulation, aiming to reduce deforestation tied to agricultural production and foster environmentally responsible supply chains. Overall, actions to comply with international standards also influence the Honduras coffee production forecast for 2026 as the industry adapts to global changes.

Methodological note: All figures are based on the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report “Coffee Annual – Tegucigalpa – Honduras – HO2026-0002” published April 29, 2026. Marketing years (MY) run from October to September. Differentiated coffee includes certified and specialty coffees. No data from outside the report has been used. Projections for MY 2026/27 are preliminary and subject to revision.

First Look at the Central America Coffee Harvest 2025 / 2026

Posted on October 14, 2025December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Sucafina has published a new field report titled First Look at the 2025 / 2026 Central America Coffee Harvest, offering an early overview of the upcoming season across Central America and Mexico. The report describes a sense of cautious optimism among producers as they prepare for the harvest, buoyed by improved weather conditions during the first half of the year.

According to Sucafina, early indicators suggest a 3% increase in coffee production compared to the previous season, with the first volumes expected to appear in the second half of October and the peak harvest period projected between December and January — a timeline more in line with historical averages for the region.

Oscar Fernando Hurtado Ramirez, Global Head of Production Research at Sucafina, stated that overall crop expectations across the region are positive. “We are expecting more coffee production in each country due to better weather conditions during the first half of the year,” he explained. Total production across Central America and Mexico is forecast to reach around 18 million bags, representing an increase of approximately 570,000 bags compared to the previous cycle.

Improved Crop Quality and Fewer Pests

The report notes that crop quality and conversion rates are also looking favorable this year. Lower pest and disease pressure have created more stable conditions that support plant health and boost yield potential. However, the report warns that coffee leaf rust could rise later in the year, given the higher proportion of susceptible varieties planted across the region combined with wetter conditions expected in October and December.

EUDR Still a Major Concern

Despite the encouraging start to the season, concerns remain high regarding the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Hurtado emphasized that “EUDR remains the biggest concern among farmers and the broader coffee sector.” While progress has been made in preparing for compliance, producers are still uncertain about how the regulation will be implemented in practice—particularly for smallholders who may struggle to meet traceability and verification requirements.

Investing in Education for Lasting Impact

The report also highlights Sucafina’s ongoing social initiatives in Central America, particularly its collaboration with the Seeds for Progress Foundation to strengthen rural education in coffee-growing communities. Active in Guatemala across regions such as Santa Rosa, Jalapa, and Chiquimula, the initiative supports school infrastructure, teacher training, and the creation of safe learning environments for children during the harvest season, when many parents are at work in the fields.

One current project, Opportunity Through Pre-School Education, focuses on improving preschool classrooms in Santa Rosa by providing child-friendly furniture and training for educators. This initiative forms part of Sucafina’s IMPACT program, which promotes responsible sourcing and human rights development at origin.

As the 2025 / 2026 harvest begins to take shape, Sucafina reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both farmers and communities in the region. The company plans to share more updates from the field in the coming weeks and encourages partners to coordinate with their trading teams to plan for the upcoming coffee volumes.