"The general conditions have changed," the Federal Council states in its press release of April 1, 2020. It was only in November 2019 that it was decided that coffee would continue to be considered a staple food and thus had to be kept in compulsory stock. But only a few months later, the Federal Council tightened the previous regulation once again. The rapidly increasing global warming, the isolation of large parts of the Swiss population due to the Corona quarantine, and the overflowing compulsory toilet paper stocks forced the Federal Council to relent. "Hoard less and produce more yourself" is the new standard.
Switzerland to become coffee-producing country No. 1
Reliance on imports can no longer be maintained. International competition for green coffee is constantly increasing. In addition, the Indian market, for example, has started drinking 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 realize the coordinated cultivation of coffee in Switzerland," states the current media communiqué. With the support of farmers' associations, a test plantation is to be established first on the Bruderholz. Further pilot farms are planned in Reigoldswil, Wädenswil, and Emmental.
"Kaffeemacher GmbH brings all the expertise necessary to support such a large-scale project in the coming years," it continues. Through the "experience of Kaffeemacher from cultivation to cup," the Federal Council is convinced that Switzerland will be able to produce not only the best, but also the most coffee worldwide within 3-5 years.
Coffee as the watch industry of tomorrow
As far as coffee trade is concerned, Switzerland is a silent giant. Already today, a large part of the global coffee trade is conducted via Switzerland. However, this never physically reaches Swiss territory. This is now set to change.
With the synergy between trade and agricultural expertise, the northern neighbor's position as world export champion is soon to be surpassed. Coffee production as the watch industry of tomorrow, no more and no less, is the goal.
Coffee production as social distancing therapy
The work on the fields is to be carried out by employees from the catering industry and, in particular, baristas. The industry, hard hit by the Corona crisis, can thus break out of the imposed quarantine. With 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 provisions of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) 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 with the hashtag #realcoffeelife for this activity.
April Fools'.
