The Human Factor: Labor Shortages and Generational Change in Coffee Producing Countries

Behind every bag of green coffee lies a growing challenge that is reshaping the industry: labor availability. According to the International Coffee Organization, coffee farming employs around 125 million people worldwide, yet many producing countries are experiencing acute labor shortages due to urban migration and aging farming populations. In countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, and Brazil, the average age of coffee farmers now exceeds 55 years, raising concerns about long term production capacity (ICO, FAO). For green coffee traders, labor is emerging as a critical but often overlooked supply risk.

The lack of younger generations entering coffee farming is already affecting productivity and quality. FAO data indicates that labor constraints can reduce harvested volume by 10% to 20% during peak seasons, especially in hand picked arabica regions where mechanization is limited. Rising labor costs are also pushing producers to reassess farm management models, invest in selective mechanization where possible, or shift toward varieties and systems that require fewer hands. These changes directly influence availability, consistency, and cost structures in the green coffee market.

In response, new approaches are gaining momentum across origins. Programs focused on youth engagement, farm profitability, and professionalization are expanding, while digital tools and better price transparency are helping make coffee farming more attractive as a viable career. For wholesale buyers and sellers, supporting origins that invest in people is becoming as important as investing in quality or sustainability. The future of green coffee will depend not only on climate and markets, but on whether the next generation chooses to stay connected to the land.