"The framework conditions have changed," the Federal Council introduces the press release from April 1, 2020. Just in November 2019, it was decided that coffee would continue to be considered a staple food and therefore also be included in mandatory stockpiles. But just a few months later, the Federal Council tightens the previous regulation once more. The dramatically increasing global warming, the isolation of large parts of the Swiss population due to corona quarantine, and the overflowing toilet paper mandatory stockpiles have forced the Federal Council to back down. "Less hoarding and more self-production," that is the new standard.
Switzerland to become coffee production country No. 1
One could no longer rely on imports. International competition for raw coffee is constantly increasing. In addition, for example, the Indian market has begun to drink its own coffee. The growing coffee consumption in China also gives domestic industry experts stomach aches.
"We have commissioned Kaffeemacher GmbH from Münchenstein to realize coordinated coffee cultivation in Switzerland," the current media communiqué states. With the support of farmers' associations, a test plantation is to be set up first on Bruderholz. Further pilot farms are planned in Reigoldswil, Wädenswil, and in the Emmental.
"Kaffeemacher GmbH brings all the expertise to support such a major project in the coming years," it continues. Through the "experiences of the coffee makers from cultivation to the cup," the Federal Council is convinced that Switzerland will be able to produce not only the best but also the most coffee in the world within 3–5 years.
Swiss barista turning coffee.
Coffee as the watch industry of tomorrow
When it comes to coffee trade, Switzerland is a silent giant. Already today, a large portion of global coffee trading is conducted via Switzerland. However, this never physically reaches Swiss territory. That is about to change.
With the synergy between trade and agricultural expertise, the northern neighbor's title of export world champion is soon to be taken away. Coffee production as the watch industry of tomorrow, nothing more and nothing less is the goal.
Coffee production as social distancing therapy
Work in the fields is to be carried out by employees from the hospitality industry and especially baristas. The sector, hard hit by the corona crisis, can thus break out of imposed quarantine. With the coffee makers, coffee varieties were selected for planting that thrive particularly well at distances of at least two meters apart.
From Coffee: Growing, Processing, Sustainable Production, J.N. Wintgens
In this way, the requirements of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) are met while creating a meaningful work and learning environment. The Colombian Coffee Association has generously announced that it will provide all baristas with a hat bearing the hashtag #realcoffeelife for this activity.
April fools.
