The plants know what’s best for them. We just have to listen.
Coffee is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, with over 12.5 million farmers relying on it for their livelihoods. But with climate change threatening both yields and quality, innovation is urgently needed at the farm level.
In the lush landscapes of Tanzania’s Utengule Coffee Farm, an innovative project is transforming the way we understand and cultivate coffee. The ConSenso Project, a collaborative effort by La Marzocco, Accademia del Caffè Espresso, Cisco, and PNAT, is pioneering the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor and respond to the real-time needs of Arabica coffee plants.
What is ConSenso?
At the heart of the ConSenso Project are solar-powered IoT sensors delicately attached to coffee plants giving the plants a voice. These sensors capture a wealth of data, including soil moisture, environmental conditions, and even subtle electrical signals emitted by the plants themselves. This information provides insights into the plants’ health, hydration levels, and potential stress factors, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control.
Why it matters
In Tanzania’s Mbeya region, where the Utengule Coffee Farm is located, climate change has led to erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, making water a critical resource for coffee cultivation. By “listening” to the plants through these sensors, farmers can make informed decisions about irrigation and other agronomic practices, optimising yield and sustainability.
La Marzocco and Accademia del Caffè Espresso’s Role
La Marzocco, through its cultural hub Accademia del Caffè Espresso, spearheads the ConSenso Project in collaboration with PNAT and Cisco. The Accademia serves as a centre for education, culture, and innovation in espresso coffee, transforming La Marzocco’s historic factory into a space that plays a pivotal role by integrating research, education, and sustainability initiatives.
Impact on the Coffee Industry
The insights gained from ConSenso aim to develop guidelines for the global coffee industry to adapt to climate change. By understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses, the project seeks to enhance the resilience and sustainability of coffee cultivation worldwide.
For a deeper look into the ConSenso Project and La Marzocco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, watch the Connected Days video below [skip to 26:30 to go straight to ConSenso]:
As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture worldwide, projects like ConSenso offer a blueprint for integrating technology and tradition. By “listening” to the coffee plants.
