MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world.Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of ⁨@tonifarmersgarden⁩ , Toni Farmer. In this series, we’ve been discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this final episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore what it might look like to move toward a more resilient food system. The conversation brings together the themes from the series, soil health, climate pressure, geopolitics, and systemic barriers, and focuses on what practical steps can be taken moving forward.Toni discusses the importance of returning to certain agricultural practices that prioritise soil health and biodiversity, while also embracing technological advancements that can support more efficient and sustainable farming. The episode also explores the role of consumers, communities, and policy in shaping the future of food systems.This is not a conversation about quick fixes. It’s about understanding the complexity of the system and recognising where change is possible.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer’s Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we’re discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore the barriers preventing regenerative agriculture from being widely adopted. While the evidence for regenerative practices continues to grow, the systems surrounding agriculture, from finance to policy to supply chains, are not designed to support the transition.Toni breaks down the structural challenges farmers face, including financial risk, lack of policy support, dependence on existing systems, and the influence of large institutions across agriculture. The conversation also explores how global markets, banking systems, and commodity pricing structures reinforce the status quo.This episode highlights a key tension: while regenerative agriculture may offer long-term resilience, the current system often makes it difficult, if not impossible, for farmers to adopt it without significant risk.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGarden Website: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of ⁨@tonifarmersgarden⁩ , Toni Farmer. In this series, we’re discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore how urgent the global food security situation really is. Building on the geopolitical pressures discussed in the previous episode, this conversation looks at how trade tensions, tariffs, and policy instability are accelerating risks across the food system.Toni explains how recent policy decisions have impacted farmers, disrupted trade relationships, and increased costs across agriculture. The discussion highlights how interconnected global systems are—and how quickly they can shift when trust between trading partners breaks down.We also explore the broader implications for food availability, pricing, and long-term stability, including how these pressures may reshape the way food is produced and consumed.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer’s Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we’re discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore how global geopolitics is already impacting food supply chains. From the war in Ukraine to disruptions in fertilizer production and shifting trade relationships, this conversation unpacks how interconnected the global food system has become—and how fragile it is.Toni explains how modern supply chains evolved, why efficiency has come at the cost of resilience, and how geopolitical instability is now creating ripple effects across agriculture. The discussion also looks at the rising cost of inputs like fertilizer and fuel, and how these pressures are impacting farmers’ ability to produce food sustainably.For the coffee industry, these dynamics are already being felt through rising costs, supply uncertainty, and increasing pressure across the value chain.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer’s Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we’re discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar sits down with Toni Farmer to explore what the research actually says about regenerative agriculture. Drawing on long-term studies, including decades of trials from organisations like the Rodale Institute, Toni explains how regenerative systems compare to conventional agriculture in both yield and long-term sustainability.The conversation looks at soil health, the role of the microbiome, and how reliance on synthetic inputs has shaped modern agriculture. We also examine why farmers have become dependent on these systems, and what makes transitioning to regenerative practices both necessary and difficult.For those working across the coffee value chain, this discussion connects directly to current challenges including declining soil health, rising input costs, and increasing climate pressure.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGarden Website: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Patreon Monthly Discussion Group. Join our Roasted Coffee tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionIn Part 5 of this 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Carley Garner from Decarley Trading shifts the focus of the discussion from understanding the market to navigating it.Carley Garner shares practical ways coffee businesses can prepare for both best-case and worst-case scenarios in an environment defined by volatility.One of the key realities discussed in this episode is that in commodities markets, there are always winners and losers, and those outcomes are often interconnected.This makes preparation less about predicting outcomes and more about managing exposure.We explore hedging strategies, the role of cash flow discipline, and why complacency during good times is one of the biggest risks businesses face.The episode also introduces the idea of shared risk across the supply chain and whether there are ways for different stakeholders to work together to create more stability in an inherently unstable system.This is not about finding certainty.It’s about building resilience.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionIn Part 4 of this 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Carley Garner from @Decarleytrading shares her outlook on where coffee prices may go in 2026, and why volatility does not always lead to the outcomes people expect.Rather than offering simple predictions, this episode focuses on how markets behave under stress.Carley explains how fear, panic buying, and positioning by large market participants influence price movements, often in ways that appear irrational to those outside the futures market.We also explore how seasonal patterns, supply expectations, and macroeconomic pressures interact, and why markets often move ahead of the reality they are pricing.A key theme in this episode is uncertainty.Not as something to avoid, but as something to understand and prepare for.If you are making decisions about pricing, purchasing, or risk exposure, this conversation offers a more grounded way to think about what may come next.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionIn Part 3 of this 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Carley Garner from Decarley Trading gives us her take on one of the most difficult and emotionally charged questions in the coffee industry:Can the futures market ever support a fair price for producers?Carley Garner approaches this question from the perspective of how markets are designed to function, not how we might wish they functioned.Futures markets do not consider the cost of production. They do not aim to ensure fairness. They exist to facilitate risk transfer and price discovery between participants with opposing needs.This episode explores why that reality creates tension in coffee, where producers are often the least protected participants in the system.We also dive into concepts like backwardation, the role of large market participants, and whether there are practical ways to use the tools of the futures market while still working toward more stable and sustainable pricing structures.This is not a comfortable conversation, but it is a necessary one.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionIn Part 2 of this 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Carley Garner from Decarley Trading expands the conversation beyond coffee to examine how geopolitical conflict is reshaping the broader commodities landscape, and what that means for coffee prices.When war enters the equation, the impact is rarely isolated. Energy markets react first. Oil and natural gas prices shift. Shipping routes become unstable. Insurance costs rise. And those changes cascade into agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer behavior.Carley explains why rising energy costs don’t just increase production expenses; they also influence demand. As fuel and food prices rise, consumers begin to make different choices, and those choices ripple back through the supply chain.This episode challenges the assumption that higher costs always lead to higher prices. In some cases, the opposite happens: demand weakens, credit tightens, and prices struggle under the weight of economic pressure.For coffee professionals, this is a critical lens: understanding that the biggest risks may not be at origin, but in the systems that connect production to consumption.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionIn this first episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Lee Safar sits down with commodities broker Carley Garner from @Decarleytrading to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the coffee industry: how prices are actually determined.In coffee, there is a persistent belief that prices reflect supply and demand at origin. But in reality, the futures market is influenced by a far more complex mix of factors, including speculation, algorithmic trading, index funds, and macroeconomic positioning across commodities.Carley breaks down the relationship between fundamentals and speculation, explaining how these forces interact and why they can at times appear completely disconnected from what farmers, exporters, and roasters are experiencing on the ground.This episode also explores why hedging feels inaccessible to much of the coffee industry, how the futures market is designed to function, and why it often fails to serve the needs of smaller stakeholders.If you’ve ever questioned whether the C-Market reflects reality or is something happening around the coffee industry rather than for it, this conversation will give you a clearer framework for understanding how it actually works.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionIn the final episode of this 5-part series with Brazilian Coffee Agronomist Jonas Leme Ferraresso, we connect the dots between production, exports, tariffs, and global market behavior.Jonas explains why Brazil has exported significantly less coffee over the past year, how tariffs and logistics are shaping trade, and why the market may be underestimating supply constraints.We also explore the future of coffee farming, labor shortages, and whether the next generation will choose to stay in the industry.This episode brings everything together and highlights what the coffee industry should be paying attention to right now.Connect with Jonas Leme Ferraresso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-leme-ferraresso-b5391027/ https://www.instagram.com/jonascoffeeagronomist/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionIn Part 4 of this 5-part series with Brazilian Coffee Agronomist Jonas Leme Ferraresso, we examine sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry, and why certifications are not the solution many believe they are.Jonas shares practical insights into how farmers are adapting to climate pressure through diversification, biological inputs, and soil management.He also challenges the logic behind certification systems that often increase costs without improving outcomes.This is a grounded conversation about what actually works—and what doesn’t, when survival is on the line.Connect with Jonas Leme Ferraresso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-leme-ferraresso-b5391027/ https://www.instagram.com/jonascoffeeagronomist/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionIn Part 3 of this 5-part series with Brazilian Coffee Agronomist, Jonas Leme Ferraresso, we explore how genetics, irrigation, and modern farming technology are shaping coffee production in Brazil.Farmers are investing heavily in new varieties, irrigation systems, and inputs to maintain yields, but these solutions come with increased costs and new risks.Jonas explains why higher-yield varieties require more resources, why irrigation is expanding, and why genetic innovation is not moving fast enough to keep up with climate change.This episode asks an uncomfortable question:Are we solving the problem, or making it more expensive to survive?Connect with Jonas Leme Ferraresso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-leme-ferraresso-b5391027/ https://www.instagram.com/jonascoffeeagronomist/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Patreon Monthly Discussion Group. Join our Roasted Coffee tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionIn Part 2 of this 5-part series, Brazilian Coffee Agronomist, Jonas Leme Ferraresso, breaks down what’s actually happening with Brazil’s 2026 coffee harvest.While market narratives suggest a strong or even record crop, the reality on the ground is far more complex.Jonas introduces the concept of “islands of production,” where some regions are performing well while others struggle, creating a misleading picture of total output.We also explore the growing role of robusta (conilon), climate pressure on arabica, and why recent weather improvements may benefit future harvests, not this one.If you’re making buying decisions based on headlines, this episode is essential listening.Connect with Jonas Leme Ferraresso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-leme-ferraresso-b5391027/ https://www.instagram.com/jonascoffeeagronomist/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionIn this first episode of a five-part series, Lee Safar sits down with Brazilian agronomist Jonas Leme Ferraresso to explore how global conflict is already impacting coffee production in Brazil.From rising energy costs to fertilizer dependency and currency shifts, this conversation breaks down why it’s naive to assume coffee will remain unaffected by geopolitical instability.Jonas shares insights from the field across Brazil’s major growing regions, explaining how oil prices, nitrogen fertilizers, and global trade disruptions are directly influencing production decisions.This is not speculation. This is what farmers are dealing with right now.If you work anywhere in the coffee value chain, this episode will change how you think about risk.Connect with Jonas Leme Ferraresso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-leme-ferraresso-b5391027/ https://www.instagram.com/jonascoffeeagronomist/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Patreon Monthly Discussion Group. Join our Roasted Coffee tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 5 of a five-part series: War, Trade, and Coffee — What the Middle East Conflict Means for the Global Coffee Industry.In the final episode of the series, Lee Safar explores what coffee businesses should be paying attention to as geopolitical conflict begins to reshape global trade systems.Rather than focusing on predictions, Lee encourages the industry to watch signals — measurable indicators that reveal how the crisis is evolving and how it may impact coffee supply chains.Four signals are particularly important.The first is shipping routes, including the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Changes in shipping routes, container availability, and freight costs can dramatically affect the movement of coffee around the world.The second signal is energy markets. Oil and natural gas prices influence fertilizer production, transportation costs, roasting energy expenses, and overall agricultural economics.The third signal is trade consolidation. As crises intensify, smaller businesses may struggle while larger companies expand their influence through acquisitions and market consolidation.The fourth signal is supply chain resilience. Businesses that diversify suppliers, maintain inventory buffers, and strengthen relationships across the supply chain will be better positioned to adapt.Lee argues that the coffee industry must broaden its focus beyond cup quality to include logistics, geopolitics, energy markets, and financial risk.Understanding these signals will help businesses make better strategic decisions as global uncertainty continues to unfold.Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/https://mapitforward.coffeehttps://www.instagram.com/leesafarhttps://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a five-part series: War, Trade, and Coffee — What the Middle East Conflict Means for the Global Coffee Industry.In this episode, Lee Safar explores the macroeconomic ripple effects that global conflict can trigger across the coffee industry.War affects far more than the regions where fighting occurs. It disrupts the systems that power global trade — energy markets, shipping networks, financial systems, and currency stability.Lee breaks down three major economic forces already shaping the global response to the conflict.The first is oil and energy shocks. Rising oil prices affect nearly every aspect of the coffee industry, from fertilizer production and farm inputs to transportation, roasting energy costs, and food inflation.The second is freight inflation. As geopolitical risk increases, shipping insurance costs rise and logistics companies reroute vessels to avoid dangerous areas. These disruptions increase the cost of moving goods globally, including green coffee.The third is currency and financial volatility. Because coffee and oil are traded in US dollars, instability in currency markets can ripple across coffee-producing countries, affecting export pricing, producer income, and hedging strategies.These interconnected pressures create powerful inflationary forces throughout the coffee value chain.From rising farm input costs to higher freight prices and increased retail prices, the economic effects of conflict extend far beyond the battlefield.In the final episode of the series, Lee explores what the coffee industry should be paying attention to now in order to prepare for what may come next.Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/https://mapitforward.coffeehttps://www.instagram.com/leesafarhttps://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is Part 3 of a five-part series: War, Trade, and Coffee — What the Middle East Conflict Means for the Global Coffee Industry.In this episode, Lee Safar explores how geopolitical conflict exposes the uneven distribution of risk across the coffee supply chain.The coffee industry often speaks about producer vulnerability, but crises like this reveal how risk moves through every layer of the supply chain, from farmers and exporters to traders and roasters.Lee explains how producers may face indirect impacts through rising fertilizer costs, fuel price volatility, and export delays that strain already fragile farm economics.Exporters often carry the largest financial exposure during logistics disruptions. With coffee already purchased and contracts to fulfill, delays in containers, shipping schedules, and currency markets can create significant financial pressure, particularly for smaller exporters.Traders typically have more tools to hedge against volatility, while farmers increasingly use supply and demand dynamics to manage risk by delaying sales when prices are unfavorable.Roasters and downstream buyers ultimately feel the cumulative effect of disruptions earlier in the supply chain, including rising freight costs, unpredictable arrivals, stock shortages, and pricing instability.The episode highlights the importance of understanding risk across your entire supply chain and strengthening relationships with partners who can navigate uncertainty together.In the next episode, Lee explores the economic domino effect of geopolitical conflict across the coffee industry.Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/https://mapitforward.coffeehttps://www.instagram.com/leesafarhttps://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is Part 2 of a five-part series: War, Trade, and Coffee — What the Middle East Conflict Means for the Global Coffee Industry.In this episode, Lee Safar explores the shipping system that moves coffee around the world and explains why disruptions in West Asia could have significant implications for the global coffee industry.Approximately 80–90% of global trade moves by sea, and coffee is deeply dependent on those maritime logistics systems.Lee explains the importance of several key trade routes that shape global coffee movement, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal. These waterways connect Africa, Asia, and Europe and carry enormous volumes of global trade.When shipping routes become unstable due to conflict, ships may be forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding thousands of nautical miles and weeks of travel time. This increases fuel costs, freight prices, insurance premiums, and supply chain uncertainty.The episode also explores why these disruptions affect different coffee supply chains differently. Coffee moving from East Africa and Asia toward Europe relies heavily on the Red Sea corridor, while some Latin American routes may be less directly affected.Understanding these logistics systems is essential for coffee professionals trying to navigate the uncertainty created by geopolitical conflict.In the next episode, Lee explores who is likely to be hit first in the coffee value chain as these disruptions unfold.Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/https://mapitforward.coffeehttps://www.instagram.com/leesafarhttps://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

This episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionThis is Part 1 of a five-part series: War, Trade, and Coffee — What the Middle East Conflict Means for the Global Coffee Industry.In this solo episode, Lee Safar explores why geopolitical conflict has a direct and immediate impact on the coffee industry.Coffee is one of the most globally traded commodities in the world. While we often think of coffee as an agricultural product, the reality is that coffee moves through a much larger system that includes energy markets, global shipping routes, and financial trade systems.When conflict emerges in regions that sit at the centre of global trade — particularly in West Asia — the ripple effects move quickly through those systems.In this episode, Lee explains three key systems that shape how coffee moves around the world:• Energy and fuel markets• Global shipping routes and maritime trade corridors• Trade finance and the banking systems that support global commodity marketsUnderstanding these systems is essential for anyone working in coffee today. As conflict unfolds in one of the most strategically important regions for global shipping and energy, the coffee industry will likely experience ripple effects across pricing, logistics, and supply chains.This episode sets the foundation for the rest of the series, where we’ll explore the shipping crisis, the economic domino effects across the coffee value chain, and what coffee professionals should be paying attention to as global conditions evolve.Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/https://mapitforward.coffeehttps://www.instagram.com/leesafarhttps://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org