SAN DIEGO, Calif. /3BL/ - The specialty coffee industry knows that coffee's future depends on farmers' ability to adapt to a changing climate, but what is less known is if and how the market will pay their share to enable adaptation strategies.

Colleen Anunu, Sr. Advisor for Coffee, Fairtrade International and sustainable livelihoods experts, data scientists, and coffee industry professionals will gather for a panel at World of Coffee San Diego, April 10-12, to explore the question, "When farmers can't afford to invest in resilience and supply chains inherit the risk, who pays the cost?"

The panel, The Value of Living Income: Understanding the Connection between Resilience and Prosperity, will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in room 24AB and feature the following panelists:

* Vanusia Nogueira - Executive Director, International Coffee Organization

* Molly Leavens - Technical Advisor, LICoP; Program Manager, Sustainable Food Lab

* Anneke Theunissen - Chief Operating Officer, The Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers (CLAC)

* Victor Enrique Cordero Ardila - Commercial Manager, Red Ecolsierra

* Jessica Mullan - Sr. Director of Strategic Advisory & Measurement Systems, The Committee on Sustainable Assessment (COSA)

The panel will dig into the data and calculations needed to close income gaps and achieve true resilience, while highlighting models and tools, like Fairtrade's Living Income Pricing framework, that link farm practices to prices that sustain dignified livelihoods and enable adaptation.

Living income commitments have increased despite recent economic uncertainty, according to Fairtrade's most recent Living Income Progress Report. This growth is attributed to farmers' focus on and dedication to sustainable production, companies' prioritization of responsible procurement and progress towards a better enabling environment.

Theunissen will moderate another lecture, From Soil to Supply Chain: Regenerative Practices, Market Competitiveness, and Responsible Business Conduct, on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. also in room 24AB.

Approximately 125 million people around the world depend on coffee for their livelihood, but most do not earn enough to cover their costs. With so many farmers living in poverty, the conversation around resilience cannot be decoupled from the conversation around prosperity. Only when producers are able to make a decent living, cover their costs, and have the freedom to plan for their futures, will true resilience be achieved.

To connect with Fairtrade coffee experts and farmers who follow the Fairtrade Standards, visit Booth #3625 at World of Coffee San Diego April 10-12. The following events will be held:

* 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10 - Coffees from Fairtrade Africa

* 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 10 - Happy Hour featuring Fairtrade's Latin American producer network, CLAC

* 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11 - Coffees from Latin America

* 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 12 - Coffees from Asia

Fairtrade takes human rights, sustainability and trade personally. Though consequences often go unseen, companies' and consumers' choices have human and environmental costs. By choosing Fairtrade, businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers can create a better world - one that puts people and planet over profits. Together, we can prioritize global partnership and our shared humanity.

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About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It's about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world's largest and most recognized fair trade certification program -part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

+1 202-930-4349