Why Climate Change Is Pushing Coffee Farms Uphill: A Value Chain View From Alfredo Nuño Infante of Starbucks Coffee Trading Company

Climate change is pushing coffee-growing regions higher up mountains as lower-altitude zones become unproductive, threatening smallholder livelihoods across the coffee belt, according to Alfredo Nuño Infante, Senior Coffee and Commodity Trader at Starbucks Coffee Trading Company. In this AgTalks conversation he explains what’s happening across global agricultural value chains, where the opportunities lie, and how ERP tools can support farmers on the ground.

Alfredo began in Mexico, and over the years, he has worked across Latin America, Africa, and Europe. His expertise is grounded in the practical realities of farming, particularly in high-altitude regions, and he has developed a comprehensive understanding of how products move from farms to consumers. With a deep commitment to sustainability and rural development, he has been a key player in bridging farmers and global markets.

AgriERP: How Is Climate Change Reshaping the Agricultural Landscape?

Alfredo Nuño Infante: Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges reshaping agriculture today. Global warming is altering growing conditions, especially for crops that require specific microclimates, and as temperatures rise, formerly viable growing zones become unproductive. That threatens both livelihoods and supply stability.

Regions at lower altitudes are becoming unsuitable for production. For smallholders, that’s not just a technical issue, it’s an existential one.

In areas such as the coffee belt, farmers are being forced to move production higher up the mountains. But even that option has natural limits, with forests, geography, and environmental regulations restricting expansion.

AgriERP: What opportunities do innovation and productivity create for farmers?

Alfredo Nuño Infante: He identified opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture, smarter land use, and responsible sourcing models. He also highlighted the role of consumer behavior in supporting sustainable practices:

Consumers have power. When they choose responsibly sourced products, they influence the entire chain.

Creating economic incentives across the supply chain and ensuring farmers are fairly compensated for sustainable practices is critical.

He pointed out that low productivity is a root cause of many of the economic challenges smallholders face. He stressed that improving yield per hectare through better agronomic practices, improved varieties, and access to technical knowledge can dramatically enhance farm viability and resilience.

It’s not just about price, it’s about producing more and producing better.

Improved productivity, when paired with strong value chains, allows farmers to access higher-quality markets and secure better returns.

AgriERP: How Can Technology Like ERP Systems Empower Farmers?

Alfredo Nuño Infante: In discussing the role of digital tools, Alfredo praised systems like AgriERP for their ability to bring real-time decision-making to the field. From tracking fertilizer use to labor management, ERP platforms can drastically improve operational efficiency on farms.

Technology should empower, not overwhelm. When it’s relevant and easy to use, farmers adopt it quickly.

He stressed the importance of making digital tools accessible and adaptable to local contexts, even for users with basic mobile phones.

Building Trust and Long-Term Impact

He emphasized the importance of long-term relationships in development work and value chain partnerships. Many agricultural interventions take years to show results, so continuity and trust are essential.

He also touched on the growing need for traceability and transparency, not just for regulatory compliance, but to ensure that the benefits of sustainable practices reach those who implement them on the ground.

These models work. But they need commitment from producers, businesses, and consumers alike.

Enjoyed this conversation?
Follow AgTalks by AgriERP for more insights from agribusiness leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of global agriculture.

Share your thoughts in the comments.