"The framework conditions have changed," the Federal Council begins its press release from April 1, 2020. It was only in November 2019 that it was decided that coffee would continue to be considered a staple food and must therefore be kept in mandatory storage. But just a few months later, the Federal Council tightened that ordinance even further. Sharply increasing global warming, the isolation of large parts of the Swiss population due to the Corona quarantine, and overflowing mandatory toilet paper stockpiles have forced the Federal Council to rethink. "Hoard less and produce more ourselves" – that is the new standard.
Switzerland to become the No. 1 coffee producing country
We can no longer rely on imports. International competition for green coffee is constantly increasing. Furthermore, the Indian market, for example, has begun to drink its own coffee. The growing coffee consumption in China is also causing headaches for local industry experts.
"We have commissioned Kaffeemacher GmbH from Münchenstein to implement coordinated coffee cultivation in Switzerland," the current press release states. With the support of the farmers' associations, a test plantation is to be established on the Bruderholz first. Further pilot farms are planned in Reigoldswil, Wädenswil, and in the Emmental.
"Kaffeemacher GmbH brings all the expertise needed to support such a major project in the coming years," it continues. Through the "experience of the Kaffeemacher from cultivation to the cup," the Federal Council is convinced that within 3 – 5 years, Switzerland will be able to produce not only the best but also the most coffee worldwide.
Coffee as the watch industry of tomorrow
As far as the coffee trade is concerned, Switzerland is a silent giant. Already today, a large part of the global coffee trade is handled via Switzerland. However, it never physically reaches Swiss territory. That is now set to change.
With the synergy between trade and agricultural expertise, the goal is to soon overtake the northern neighbor as the world's leading exporter. Coffee production as the watch industry of tomorrow – that is the goal, nothing more and nothing less.
Coffee production as social distancing therapy
The field work is to be carried out by employees from the catering industry, and in particular baristas. The industry, which has been hit hard by the Corona crisis, can thus break out of the imposed quarantine. Together with the Kaffeemacher, coffee varieties have been selected for planting that thrive particularly well at a distance of at least two meters.
From Coffee: Growing, Processing, Sustainable Production, J.N. Wintgens
This fulfills the requirements of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and at the same time creates a meaningful work and learning environment. The Colombian Coffee Federation has generously announced that it will provide all baristas with a cap featuring the hashtag #realcoffeelife for this activity.
April Fools'.
