World Coffee Research visits CATIE to strengthen ties and promote coffee research

•  Visitors also toured the International Coffee Collection on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, and because the institution hosts several of WCR’s research trials.
  
  

This week, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) is the chosen venue for the global meeting of the World Coffee Research (WCR). team. The organization, dedicated to coffee research and breeding, brought together 28 staff members from 17 countries for a retreat aimed at strengthening connections, fostering trust, and enhancing collaboration efficiency.

Hanna Neuschwander, WCR’s Communications Director, explained the reason behind this meeting at CATIE: "We came to CATIE because they have been an incredible long-term partner. They host several of our research trials, and for many of our employees, this is their first opportunity to see the work we do on the ground. CATIE is an exceptional place to showcase our work, especially with its famous collection of coffee genetic diversity,” she said.

Neuschwander also highlighted the campus facilities, which provided the perfect environment for this gathering, offering comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality.

CATIE’s International Coffee Collection, located in Turrialba, Costa Rica, has been maintained since 1949. It spans twelve hectares and holds the Coffea arabica collection with more than 2,000 accessions, recognized as FAO World Heritage. It is the second most diverse collection in Latin America, the fourth globally, and the only origin collection outside the African continent. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, a scientific congress will be held on our campus from December 3-7, where some of the leading figures in coffee research and production will present their work.

• All information for participating can be found on the official congress website: Scientific Congress – 75th Anniversary of CATIE’s Coffee Collection.

A cultural gathering around coffee

Among the attendees were coffee breeders, who play a crucial role in developing new coffee varieties.

Santos Barrera Lemus, a breeder from Colombia, shared his experience at CATIE: "It’s my fifth time here, and it’s always a pleasure. This meeting has been very enriching because it has allowed us to connect with different teams. We are a virtual organization, and this is our first face-to-face gathering. CATIE offers spectacular scenery and is a key partner in several of our projects."

Robert Kawuki, a breeder from Uganda specializing in robusta coffee, emphasized the importance of this meeting for personal and professional development: "One of the most valuable aspects of this retreat has been identifying our top five strengths, which will help us work more efficiently. I also had the opportunity to tour the coffee trials at CATIE, label plants, and enjoy the greenery and tranquility of the place," he said.

In addition to the training activities, participants enjoyed a visit to the hills and the volcano, where they engaged in valuable conversations with local guides. The combination of learning, collaboration, and connection with nature made this week a memorable experience for the entire World Coffee Research team.

This visit reaffirms CATIE’s commitment to coffee research and breeding, solidifying its role as a strategic partner in international scientific projects.