Today’s episode is the first in a two-part feature exploring the opportunity and future potential for Australian-grown coffee.
While coffee is typically cultivated in tropical, high-altitude regions, producers in Australia have been able to nurture coffee trees in the country’s subtropical lowlands – where the mild climate and absence of many common coffee diseases offer unique opportunities
In part one, we speak with Rebecca Zentveld, Founder of Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery in New South Wales. Rebecca also serves as President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association, and in this conversation she explores the history, commercial opportunities, and sustainability potential of Australian coffee farming.
In part two, we’ll hear from Tobias Kretzschmar, a scientist at Southern Cross University, who’s developing new varietals suited to the Australian climate, and David Kennedy from Bun Coffee, to learn how the specialty scene might soon be embracing more home-grown coffee.
Credits music: "War Romance" by Australian artist Georgia Mooney in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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Guest
Rebecca Zentveld
Founder, Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery
Rebecca Zentveld is the Founder of Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery in New South Wales and President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association. A pioneer of Australian coffee, Rebecca established her roastery at age 23 and has spent over 30 years championing local provenance, regenerative farming, and Australia’s unique coffee heritage.
