Global experts converge in Kuching for Borneo Coffee Symposium II
by Sandra Jaboh · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 27): Leading coffee researchers, producers and industry specialists from across the world will gather here for the Borneo Coffee Symposium II at The Old Courthouse.
Held under the theme ‘Feasibility and Challenges of Tropical Coffee Cultivation’, the two-day event will explore how tropical coffee species can strengthen long-term resilience in the global coffee sector amid the pressures of climate change.
“Building on the success of the inaugural 2019 symposium, this year’s theme highlights the growing importance of climate-tolerant species such as Liberica and Excelsa.
“These emerging crops are increasingly recognised for their potential to diversify world coffee production and support farming communities in vulnerable tropical regions,” the organiser said in a statement.
Aaron Davis of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said the symposium brings together producers and researchers working at the forefront of this evolution in the coffee industry.
“In a changing world, it is vital that we understand and implement lesser-known and rare coffee species to safeguard the future of coffee farming,” he said.
Organised by Earthlings Coffee Workshop, the event will be officially opened at 9am on Saturday by the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development deputy permanent secretary Sayed Ismail Nasiruddin Dato Seri Wan Hashim.
Following the symposium, Dr Stephen Swartz from Coffee Consulate will conduct a coffee farm education programme at the Agriculture Research Centre Semongok from Dec 2 to 7, offering practical training aimed at strengthening skills and knowledge among local producers.
In conjunction with the main programme, Earthlings will also host community-oriented activities to engage the public with developments in coffee science and culture.
These include the Liberica team brewing competition, a mini coffee exhibition, cross-species coffee cupping and a Liberica farm visit.