§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action is being taken to diversify agricultural sectors away from coffee production in Sub-Saharan African countries. [80947]
§ Clare ShortDiversification requires the establishment of a more favourable environment at both domestic and international level. We are working to support a variety of activities within coffee producing countries in order to generate the economic growth, and other conditions, that provide enhanced opportunities for livelihood diversification. We are also working to improve trade access to OECD markets.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with representatives of the(a) United Nations and (b) World bank regarding the coffee industry in (i) Central Africa, (ii) South America and (iii) India and Eastern Asia; and if she will make a statement. [80941]
§ Clare ShortMy Department regularly interacts with different agencies of the United Nations, the World bank and other partners to discuss the economic situation, including performance of different industries and commodity, in the three geographical regions mentioned. These are complex issues and I do not intend to make a statement at this time.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action is being taken to encourage international coffee roaster companies to carry out value added processing within developing countries. [80945]
§ Clare ShortCoffee processing involves the transformation of green coffee beans into a number of products including roast and ground, soluble (instant) coffee, decaffeinated coffee extracts and various speciality coffees. The decision to undertake coffee processing in the developing country of origin is a strictly commercial one. This decision is undoubtedly influenced by a number of considerations such as the domestic operating environment (e.g. reliability of supporting infrastructure), assurance of bean supply and quality requirements, transport costs, the buy-in strategies adopted by retailers, packaging and labeling194W requirements as well as size of the domestic market and trade access to other markets. The UK, through its development programme and other endeavours at the international level, is supporting a range of actions designed to create a more favourable investment climate in many coffee producing countries.