Cocoa could replace coffee as a crop in Vanuatu

The world loves a cup of coffee and delights in chocolate treats.

But in the Pacific, island nations growing coffee are finding higher temperatures are making it difficult.

The CSIRO Asia-Pacific Climate intelligence team has been studying the effects of temperature on crops, and may have found a good alternative for agriculture in Vanuatu with cocoa – which likes the warmer temperatures.

Dr Leanne Webb  science lead for the CSIRO Asia-Pacific Climate intelligence team,  was a featured speaker at the Annual Crawford Fund Conference in Parliament House Canberra

 

Image: Image: Courtesy R Chambers

Produced By: Roderick Chambers

Featured In Story: Dr Leanne Webb science lead for the CSIRO Asia-Pacific Climate intelligence team

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 13 August 2025