What Is World Coffee Research?

World Coffee Research is a global collaborative nonprofit that funds scientific research into coffee genetics, agronomy, and variety development. Their work focuses on building a more resilient arabica supply chain in the face of climate change, disease pressure, and shifting growing conditions. The knowledge WCR generates flows to producers worldwide.

Where the Research Goes

  • 1.

    The world's largest network of farmer field trials, currently 250 trials in 10 countries, growing to over 1,000 trials in 20 countries over the next five years

  • 2.

    The first global sensory study of coffee varieties, conducted with the SCA, UC Davis Coffee Center, and 12 producing countries

  • 3.

    Active field research sites in 22 countries, with 30+ programs involving 92 partners

  • 4.

    Two global breeding hubs serving East Africa and Central America, developing climate-resilient arabica varieties for the next generation of producers
Close-up of a cluster of ripe red and unripe green coffee cherries on the branch

How ICT Participates

ICT participates in the WCR Checkoff Program. When roasters contribute pennies per pound through ICT, we match that contribution before passing it on to WCR.

In November 2025, ICT's QC and Trading team in San Diego cupped three washed F1 hybrid varieties from Rwanda developed through WCR's breeding program. The session was a direct look at what the research is producing: varieties that combine climate resilience and disease resistance with cup quality that holds up for specialty programs.

Join us in Supporting WCR

When you buy green coffee through ICT, you can contribute to the WCR Checkoff Program at a rate you choose, in pennies per pound. ICT matches every contribution before it goes to WCR, doubling the impact. The future of the origins on our offer list depends on this kind of research.

Join the WCR Checkoff Program