“In collaboration with the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), the research wing of the Coffee Board of India, the project will provide smallholder coffee-farming families with advanced technical training and workshops. These will cover critical areas including climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and agro-climatic practices across coffee-growing zones.”

-  Bindu Sukumarapillai, CEO-Fairtrade NAPP (Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers)

Over the course of the project, around 200 smallholder farmers, with a focus on youth leaders and women, will take part in the trainings. The curriculum also includes building marketing capabilities and helping farmers integrate digital tools into their farming and business practices. Farmers will also receive professional guidance on income diversification, such as developing baked goods from coffee cherry husks. Together, these initiatives aim to drive innovation, open new sales channels, and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

The Generations Programme is part of Julius Meinl’s wider sustainability journey, complementing their Responsibly Selected Coffee Initiative (RSCI), which ensures sustainability criteria are embedded in the company’s green coffee purchases. While the RSCI covers entire supply chains, the Generations Programme focuses directly on farming communities, supporting long-term resilience, innovation, and opportunities for the next generation of coffee farmers.

“Throughout our long-standing partnership with Julius Meinl, their commitment to strengthening coffee farming communities has always stood out. This new project in India is a natural continuation of that collaboration, supporting farmers with resilient coffee plants while investing in the next generation through training and leadership development. Empowering young people in coffee farming is essential for sustainable and profitable coffee production.” 

 - Hartwig Kirner, CEO FAIRTRADE Austria