AgriFutures Australia has funded the co-development of a manual for Australian coffee growers supported by The Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA), in its efforts to promote and develop emerging rural industries.
The Australian Coffee Growers' Manual will be launched at the AGCA Annual General Meeting in Mareeba, Queensland on 23-24 August, aiming to provide knowledge and best practices for coffee growing, tailored to Australia's unique climatic zones.
The manual is co-authored by horticulture experts, David Peasley and Jos Webber, who also participated in writing the Australian subtropical coffee grower’s manual, published a decade ago in 2014.
This updated manual aims to be an extensive guide to support both established and prospective coffee growers. Developed to allow for regular research updates, it covers all aspects of coffee cultivation – from site selection and plantation establishment to pest management and harvesting techniques.
It emphasises sustainable practices and biosecurity measures, helping to ensure that Australian coffee remains free from major pests and diseases.
AgriFutures Australia senior manager of levied and emerging industries, Ellen Buckle, said the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual will be a much sought after resource.
"The Australian Coffee Growers' Manual is a pivotal tool for expanding our high-quality coffee production,” said Buckle.
“With the increasing domestic and international demand for unique Australian coffee, it provides the foundational knowledge needed to enhance our industry’s growth and sustainability.”
Key Features of the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual include:
- Detailed sections on biosecurity, coffee tree physiology, site preparation, and plantation management
- Sustainability focus: minimal use of pesticides and alignment with community expectations for environmental sustainability
- Contributions from industry stakeholders and practical experiences from Australian coffee growers
- Regular updates: the Manual is designed to be a living document, incorporating new research and industry developments over time.
Co-author of the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual, Jos Webber, said it is a resource designed to expand the Australian coffee growing industry.
“Our goal is to equip Australian coffee growers with the expertise needed to produce exceptional coffee sustainably,” said Webber.
“By sharing our combined experiences and knowledge, we hope to foster a thriving coffee-growing community that meets the increasing demand for locally grown, high-quality coffee.”
The project builds on AgriFutures Australia’s previous investments in the coffee industry including the Australian Coffee Strategic RD&E Plan, Defining terroir of Australian coffee to increase demand and investment and Ten reasons for growing and drinking Australian Coffee.
The Australian Coffee Growers' Manual will be available for viewing, free download, or purchase on the AgriFutures Australia website at agrifutures.com.au after the launch on 24 August.
