Additional Context: The Coffee Improvement Program was a $5 million USAID Feed the Future innovation lab-funded initiative implemented by Cornell University and World Coffee Research. Mentioned in Ethos Agriculture's 2026 Coffee Barometer Report, the authors note U.S. aid cuts affecting the coffee industry have weakened the sustainability capacity, technical expertise, and institutional support systems on which the sector depends.

Devex Researcher Note: This initiative focused on the long-term efficiency and productivity of coffee growers worldwide, genetically enhancing breeds to be more resilient to disease and other climate-related threats. In addition, it collaborated with research institutes across Colombia, Kenya, and Rwanda, with the goal of upgrading the performance of national coffee research capabilities.

The Coffee Improvement Program was one of 16 Feed the Future Innovation Labs whose funding was terminated following stop-work orders issued in early 2025, as previously recorded by The Aid Report.

Source: Ethos Agriculture