Genetically Modified Coffee – Around The Corner?
12th April 2018
Since a consortium of scientists recently sequenced the coffee genome of the robusta plant variety, the possibility of genetically modified coffee took a further leap forward
Added: 13th March 2015
However, if the main reason the plant has evolved was actually to produce high levels of caffeine as a natural pesticide for increased pest control, then the knock-on effect could well be a weaker, unhealthy plant. This would not be a viable farming option. Yet in comparing the coffee genome against other species, the scientists actually found a sizeable enrichment in disease-resistant genes. So obviously there is still a lot of research to be done, but the potential from the disease-resistant genes data could be to actually increase resilience to pests, plus future climate change issues, through modification.
You can however enjoy our range of non-modified coffee beans right now! The perfect beans to use with our bean to cup coffee machines.