World Coffee Research expands varieties catalogue

World Coffee Research (WCR) has launched a major update to its Arabica Coffee Varieties catalogue, expanding it to include varieties from six new countries: Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The catalogue previously only covered varieties commonly found in and around Central America. The updated catalogue contains 53 varieties, with expanded histories for many of them. It presents a breadth of information on each variety, from appearance and key agronomic traits to genetic background and intellectual property rights. “We're very proud to be expanding the catalogue to include six African countries,” said Christophe Montagnon, Scientific Director of WCR and a Lead Author on the catalogue. “The catalogue is a living document and, as we continue to expand its global reach, we hope it supports more and more farmers in one of the most difficult and important decisions they make for the long-term sustainability of their farms.” The varieties catalogue also includes information on which varieties are currently available through the World Coffee Research Verified program, which certifies coffee seed and nursery producers to improve the healthy, traceability and genetic purity of coffee plants. To create the varieties catalogue, WCR worked with coffee experts from across Central America and Africa, with funding from USAID and UTZ/Rainforest Alliance. The catalogue is the result of visits to 16 countries and interviews with nearly 180 people from more than 100 private and public bodies involved in the national or regional coffee sectors of Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa.