Remember When Coffee Leaf Rust Was a Scary Unknown? Now We Know More And Here’s What It Means for Your Cup
There’s something deeply comforting about your first sip of coffee in the morning.
Maybe it's the aroma that hits you before you even open your eyes. Or the sound of the kettle bubbling. Or that beautiful, soul-soothing moment when the mug hits your lips and, boom, you're awake, alive, and ready to take on the day.
But what if I told you that, not long ago, a quiet storm was threatening that moment for millions of people?
I’m talking about coffee leaf rust, a fungal disease so devastating it’s been called the "COVID of coffee crops." Farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia have lost entire harvests. Communities that rely on coffee for survival were shaken to the core. And the worst part? For years, no one knew exactly how to stop it.
Until now.
A Win for Science (And Coffee Lovers Everywhere)
This year, the world's largest coffee leaf rust study was published. Researchers from over 16 countries collaborated for more than five years to better understand this silent destroyer of coffee plants. (If you’re curious, you can read the full article from Global Coffee Report here.)
What did they find?
➡️ It’s not just about climate. While warmer, wetter weather has definitely made the rust worse, poor soil health, monoculture farming, and lack of shade trees also contribute to outbreaks.
➡️ Stronger plants = better resistance. Varieties bred with rust resistance, not just for yield or flavor, are key to future-proofing coffee.
➡️ Diversity is hope. More genetic diversity in coffee crops could mean fewer pandemics like this in the future.
What This Means for Your Morning Cup
So, how does a fungal disease in the highlands of Honduras or the slopes of Uganda affect you, the coffee drinker in Brooklyn, Seattle, or Austin?
It affects everything.
It’s what determines if your favorite roast will still be available next year.
It shapes the price you pay per bag.
And maybe most importantly, it affects the people behind the beans.
At Win Win Coffee, we work with farmers who are committed to sustainable, resilient growing practices. That means prioritizing plant health, using shade trees, and investing in soil, not just for today’s harvest, but for generations to come.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: resilient coffee starts from the ground up.
A Story from the Field: Carlos in Nicaragua
One of our sourcing partners, Carlos, manages a small coffee farm in northern Nicaragua. When leaf rust hit his region hard in 2018, he lost nearly 60% of his crop. He told me, "It was like watching your whole year vanish in a few days."
But instead of giving up, he adapted.
He started using organic compost to rebuild his soil. He planted a rust-resistant varietal alongside his older trees. And he worked with a local co-op to introduce natural shade trees that also grew edible fruit, creating more food security for his family.
Today, his farm is thriving again. And some of those beans? They’re in our 50/50 blend, smooth, sweet, and packed with purpose.
So… What Can You Do?
You don’t need to be a soil scientist or a farmer to fight for better coffee. Every choice you make, from what beans you buy to how you brew can make a difference.
Here are 3 easy ways to be a more conscious coffee drinker:
Support companies that support farmers. Look for roasters (like us!) who work directly with growers and prioritize sustainability.
Be curious about origin. Ask where your beans come from, how they were grown, and what challenges farmers may have faced.
Celebrate variety. Single-origin coffees, heirloom blends, and rust-resistant cultivars all bring unique flavors and help protect coffee’s future.
It’s Not Just a Cup, It’s a Connection
The next time you take a sip of your morning coffee, remember: that cup is part of a global story. One that includes farmers like Carlos, scientists fighting plant disease, and people like you—choosing to care.
At Win Win Coffee, we believe in coffee that creates a ripple effect. One that tastes amazing and does good in the world. Because when growers win, and you win… it’s a win-win. ☕🌱
