Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry is seeing strong growth with higher prices, increased earnings, and rising production.

Speaking at the Climate Smart Coffee Policy Validation Workshop today in Port Moresby city, Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Chief Operations Officer Steven Tumae said global demand is changing, with buyers now requiring coffee to be sustainably and environmentally produced.

He said the workshop is the final stage of consultations to develop a Climate Smart Coffee Policy, which aims to guide the industry through these changes.

Mr. Tumae highlighted that climate change is already affecting coffee-growing areas through unpredictable weather, pests, and diseases.

He added that coffee is now being grown in new areas, increasing pressure on the industry.

He said the policy will focus on improving productivity and quality, while helping Papua New Guinea meet international requirements, including the European Union’s deforestation rules.

Mr. Tumae also pointed to opportunities in carbon trading, noting that coffee grown under shade trees can help absorb carbon and may create new income streams for farmers.

He stressed the importance of strong partnerships between government agencies, provinces, exporters, and farmers to make the policy work.

Mr. Tumae said while progress will take time, the policy is an important step toward building a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive coffee industry in Papua New Guinea.