G7 Education Summit in Trieste Opens with Focus on Training in the Coffee Sector

By: Alexis Rubinstein, Managing Editor - Coffee Network

Mon, 01 Jul 2024, 13:55

Alexis Rubinstein

Managing Editor

CoffeeNetwork (New York) - The collateral event "The Role of Education and Professional Training: The Case Study of the Coffee Supply Chain to Promote Sustainable Development," organized by illycaffè and the Fondazione Ernesto Illy, marked the opening of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Education in Trieste, chaired by Minister Giuseppe Valditara.

The meeting focused on the value of training as a tool to combat climate change and poverty. Attendees included Giuseppe Valditara (Minister of Education and Merit), Gerardo Patacconi (Head of Operations of the International Coffee Organization), Tidiane Ouattara (Representative of the African Union), Andrea Illy (President of illycaffè), Andrea De Marco (Industrial Development Expert & Project Manager of UNIDO), Stefania Giannini (Deputy Director General of UNESCO for Education), Laura Frigenti (CEO of the Global Partnership for Education), and Fernanda Maria Roche Soares dos Santos (Counselor of the Embassy of Brazil).

The coffee market, already highly volatile and characterized by inadequate access to credit and low investment propensity, is now facing the compounded effects of climate change and a shortage of young labor. These factors make coffee communities extremely vulnerable. Education and training are essential to ensure the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of coffee producers.

"Education is a key factor in achieving the objectives of resilience, environmental sustainability, added value, circularity of the value chain, and support for the families of coffee producers, as indicated in the declaration of the G7 summit in Puglia," said Andrea Illy during the event. "Climate change, which puts more than 50 percent of arable land at risk, necessitates a significant improvement in agronomic practices and, consequently, in the skills and capabilities of farmers. Furthermore, education is known to be the first and most effective action to combat poverty, a major issue affecting coffee growing. Much of the knowledge on coffee supply chains is produced in Trieste, and for over 25 years, illy, through the Università del Caffè (University of Coffee), has been engaged in technology transfer in 23 countries, connecting producers and consumers. We are particularly honored to represent a case study to the world's leading institutions."

The Università del Caffè, illy's training center, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, creates value through training activities and awareness-raising actions aimed at fostering a sustainable coffee supply chain that respects the environment and biodiversity, promotes employability and entrepreneurship among young people, and strengthens dialogue and cooperation between various actors in the coffee sector.

While training is the underlying theme of every activity and forms the basis for the development of coffee communities, the Fondazione Ernesto Illy addresses specific local needs with projects aimed at mitigating and preventing social problems and promoting the well-being of local communities. Many countries, for example, lack effective social infrastructure, and minors are sometimes not sufficiently protected. The Fondazione Ernesto Illy supports the construction of schools, educational services, and healthcare for the children of coffee workers.

"About a third of the over 4.9 billion people who live in coffee-producing countries are aged between 15 and 34 years," observed Gerardo Patacconi. "Only by filling the gaps in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in these countries, investing in young people, and reducing gender gaps and gaps in access to knowledge and technologies, will it be possible to effectively address the threats that characterize the global coffee supply chain: climate change and low farmers' income. As the ICO, the World Coffee Organization, with 75 member governments from coffee-producing and consuming countries, and integrating the industry through a task force, we are convinced that only by promoting good practices through training and investments in education via public-private models can we overcome the challenge of sustainability in the sector, ensure the well-being of producers and all operators in the supply chain, and respond to the demands of the millions of us who consume around 3 billion cups of coffee every day."

The recognition in the final declaration of the G7 in Puglia of support for a public-private initiative to promote policies and allocate resources aimed at increasing the value of the circular coffee economy and supporting small producers encourages the industry to continue its commitment alongside institutions, positioning itself as a key actor in the transfer of know-how and technical assistance to producing countries, essential pillars for creating a sustainable economy.

Alexis Rubinstein

Coffee

This material should be construed as market commentary and represents the opinions and viewpoints of the author, and does not reflect tailored advice associated with any specific account.

The views are current only through the date stated and are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions, and StoneX Group Inc. (“SGI”) disclaims any responsibility to update such views. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided.

References to certain OTC products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets, LLC (SXM), a member of the National Futures Association (NFA) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ and who have been accepted as customers of SXM.

StoneX Financial Inc. (SFI) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Advisor. StoneX Financial (Canada) Inc. (SFCI) is registered in Canada and is a member of CIRO and CIPF. References to certain securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to certain exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI. Wealth Management is offered through SA Stone Wealth Management Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and SA Stone Investment Advisors Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor, both wholly owned subsidiaries of SGI.

R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC (RJO) is registered with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and is a member of NFA.

StoneX Financial Ltd (SFL) is registered in England and Wales, company no. 5616586. SFL is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (registration number FRN:446717) to provide services to professional and eligible customers including: arrangement, execution and, where required, clearing derivative transactions in exchange traded futures and options. SFL is also authorized to engage in the arrangement and execution of transactions in certain OTC products, certain securities trading, precious metals trading and payment services to eligible customers. SFL is authorized and regulated by the FCA under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for the provision of payment services. SFL is a category 1 ring-dealing member of the London Metal Exchange. In addition SFL also engages in other physically delivered commodities business and other general business activities which are unregulated and not required to be authorized by the FCA.

This communication is issued in the European Economic Area by StoneX Financial Europe GmbH (SFEG). StoneX is the trade name used by STONEX GROUP INC. and all its associated entities and subsidiaries. StoneX Financial Europe GmbH (“SFEG”) is a securities trading firm registered in Germany under Company No. HRB 80844.

StoneX APAC Pte. Ltd. (“SAP”) (Co. Reg. No 200616676W) is regulated as a Dealer (PS20190001002) under the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act 2019 for purposes of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. SAP is an “Approved International Trading Company” authorized to act as a “Spot Commodity Broker” under the Commodity Trading Act.

StoneX Financial Pte Ltd (Co. Reg. No 201130598R) (“SFP”) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a Capital Markets Service Licence holder (for dealing in capital market products), an Exempt Financial Adviser (for advising on investment products and issuing or promulgating analyses/ reports on investment products) and a Major Payment Institution (for domestic and cross-border money transfer services).

SFP may distribute analysis/report produced by its respective foreign affiliates within the StoneX Group of companies pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations Recipients should contact SFP at (65) 6309 1000 for any matters arising from, or in connection with, this webinar.

StoneX Financial (HK) Limited (CE No.: BCQ152) (“SHK”) is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for Dealing in Securities and Dealing in Futures Contracts.

StoneX Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 141 774 727) holds an Australian Financial Service License (AFSL: 345646) for Dealing in Securities, Exchange-Traded Derivatives Contracts, OTC Derivatives Contracts and Foreign Exchange Contracts, and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

StoneX Securities Co., Ltd. (“SSJ”) (Co. Reg. No 010401047199) is regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency as a Type-I Financial Instruments Business Operator (Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO)No.291’), is a member of the Financial Futures Association of Japan for dealing and broking FX and FX Option transactions, and is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association for dealing and broking stock indices and option transactions.

Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance of any futures or option is not indicative of future success. Indicators are not a trading system and are not published as a specific trade recommendation. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.

The report/analysis herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.

Satellite view of Earth at night showing illuminated cities across Asia and the Middle East

Discover more insights

Our subscribers have access to comprehensive market analysis from StoneX spanning commodities, equities, currencies and more.

Explore subscriptions

Perspective: Morning Commentary for August 7

August 7 – The U.S. economy unexpectedly lost 23k jobs in July, dramatically below market expectations of an 80k increase and marking the worst Non-Farm Payrolls print since February. Furthermore, May and June were both revised sharply downward, with combined revisions showing 103k fewer jobs than previously reported. Outside of the healthcare sector, which added 22k jobs in July, the losses were very broad-based. Government payrolls saw the largest decline, shedding 53k jobs in July, the largest seen since October 2025, while June was revised down to show a loss of 10k jobs as well. The private sector at least saw growth, adding 30k jobs in July, now matching the month prior after it was revised down from the 49k initially reported, and substantially missing forecasts of 78k jobs being added. This is a sharp reversal in course from the largely better than expected U.S. labor data seen earlier this week.

Mike CastleFri, 07 Aug 2026, 13:26

Grains & Oilseeds
Energy
Dairy
Renewable Fuels
Cocoa
Coffee
Cotton
Sugar
Meats & Livestock
Forest Products

Daily Coffee Report 8/6/26

Daily coffee report

StoneX Coffee TeamFri, 07 Aug 2026, 00:34

Coffee

Perspective: Morning Commentary for August 6

August 6 – This morning’s stronger-than-expected U.S. labor data offered markets some relief, reinforcing confidence in the economy while giving the Fed greater flexibility to raise rates should inflationary pressures reaccelerate in next week’s July data. Stock futures are pointing to a mixed open to start the day, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq showing the most weakness. The VIX has fallen notably from yesterday’s spike above 18.4 as it starts the day hovering just below the 16-mark. The dollar is quietly higher as it trades just above 99.8, holding in the tight range seen thus far this week as traders continue to digest data to shape expectations for the Fed’s next move, which we’ll dive into in more depth below. Long-term treasury yields have relaxed slightly from their recent spike, with 30-year yields starting the day trading just above 5.19%, while 10-year yields trade above 4.64%, and 2-year yields sit below 4.22%. Crude oil is modestly higher to start the session after sharp declines earlier in the week, with nearby WTI up 1.8% to trade at $76.40 and nearby Brent up 2.4% to trade at $81.40. Meanwhile, the ags are quietly mixed to start the day.

Mike CastleThu, 06 Aug 2026, 13:24

Grains & Oilseeds
Energy
Dairy
Renewable Fuels
Cocoa
Coffee
Cotton
Sugar
Meats & Livestock
Forest Products

StoneX: We open markets

Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.

Reach

With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bi-lateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.

Transparency

As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve, our financials and record of accomplishment are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.

Expertise

From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform, to “boots on the ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.