AI Empowers Nestlé in Creating Drought and Disease-Resistant Coffee Varieties

Scientists at Nestlé are leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze the genomic structure of arabica coffee plants, aiming to identify genetic traits that enhance disease and drought resistance. Arabica coffee accounts for about 60% of the global coffee production, yet it is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and diseases compared to other coffee varieties. Nestlé’s initiative is a direct response to alarming climate change forecasts, which suggest worsening drought conditions and decreasing arable land suitable for coffee cultivation.

To safeguard the future of this beloved coffee variety, Nestlé has partnered with research institutes worldwide to develop a comprehensive genomic database detailing the genetic makeup of contemporary coffee plants. Utilizing advanced AI tools alongside cutting-edge sequencing technologies, the scientists mapped the genetic origins of arabica coffee, seeking to pinpoint desirable traits that can fortify future crops.

Their findings revealed that modern arabica coffee plants originated between 350,000 to 610,000 years ago from a hybridization of the ancestor species *Coffea canephora* and *Coffea eugenioides*. Among their significant discoveries was a genetic trait conferring resistance to *Hemileia vastatrix*, the pathogen responsible for coffee leaf rust disease, which severely impacted coffee production in Latin America during the mid-2010s.

The genomic data cataloged by the scientists includes traits linked to disease resistance, which could be pivotal in cultivating new, robust arabica coffee varieties through targeted breeding strategies. This vital research was published in an accessible public database, providing a valuable resource for scientists and farmers alike.

Nestlé has already begun collaborating with farmers to apply this genomic information in the development of enhanced arabica varieties, successfully distributing over six million plantlets in 2022 alone. As Jeroen Dijkman, head of Nestlé's Institute of Agricultural Sciences, stated, “In simple terms, our new reference is like a high-quality map of a big city. It will help us identify key genetic markers in the arabica genome that are responsible for specific traits in adult plants.” This cutting-edge research not only supports Nestlé’s goal but also contributes significantly to global efforts in sustainable agriculture.

The research initiative was co-directed with the French National Institute for Sustainable Development, involving collaboration from academic institutions across the U.S., Brazil, Singapore, Uganda, and Finland. By harnessing the power of AI and genomic research, Nestlé aims to ensure the resilience of arabica coffee in the face of climate challenges, ultimately benefiting farmers and coffee lovers around the world.