EcoTrace: A New Trail of Healthy Coffee Research from PPNP, Combining Circular Economy and Blockchain in partnership with PT Pesona Global Multikarya (PGM)

Payakumbuh, Beritasumbar.com, – Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Payakumbuh (PPNP) together with CERI ARKA Nusantara through research in the SINERGI program funded by the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology officially launched a superior research entitled EcoTrace which focuses on the development of Sumatran Arabica coffee that is low in acrylamide, high in antioxidants, and globally competitive.

EcoTrace promotes the concept of a circular economy, utilizing post-harvest waste and coffee processing residues into value-added products, and integrating blockchain technology to ensure transparency of the coffee's origins from the farm to the consumer.

For development and downstreaming, PPNP is collaborating with a strategic industrial partner, PT Pesona Global Multikarya (PGM), a West Sumatra-based coffee exporter. PGM brings experience in global trade and has implemented a blockchain-based traceability system throughout its supply chain.

Full Support from PT Pesona Global Multikarya (PGM)

PT Pesona Global Multikarya (PGM), a Padang-based coffee, tea, and cocoa commodity trading company, expressed its full support for the EcoTrace research, an initiative of the Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Payakumbuh (PPNP) and CERI ARKA Nusantara.

Tiara Zul Afifah, PGM Director, emphasized that PGM's involvement in this research is a strategic step that is in line with the company's vision: "This partnership is a concrete step in bringing healthy Indonesian coffee to the international market. Through the EcoTrace research developed by PPNP, supported by blockchain technology, we believe Sumatran coffee will become more competitive, sustainable, and transparent in its origins. This aligns with PGM's commitment to delivering international-standard products while improving farmer welfare."

Pebriyansah, PGM Commissioner, also added: "We fully support this collaboration. The synergy between academics, researchers, and the business world will produce major innovations that will not only benefit the market but also have a positive social impact on society and the environment."

EcoTrace's research, which combines the circular economy and blockchain technology, has been proven to support PGM's vision and mission, which is to provide high-quality products according to international standards, improve the welfare of local farmers and producers, implement transparent and sustainable trade, and utilize digital technology in distribution and marketing.

With the support of PGM management, this research is expected to strengthen the position of Sumatran Arabica coffee as a leading global commodity that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and transparency.

Through EcoTrace, it is hoped that Sumatran Arabica coffee will not only be present as a superior Indonesian product, but also as a pioneer of healthy coffee that meets global trends in health, sustainability, and transparency.

Hope from Academics

"EcoTrace shows that research doesn't just stop in the laboratory, but can be implemented in real life. Through this program, we strive to design a healthy coffee business model that can be implemented by MSMEs and local farmers. EcoTrace's innovation not only adds value to coffee products, but also answers the needs of the global market that increasingly demands healthy, sustainable, and transparent products," said Prof. Rince Alfia Fadri with the research team: Prof. Novizar, Prof. Edi Syafri, Dr. Mimi Harni, Dr. Mulianti, Rifly Arifansyah, Sherlya Wanda, Fina Firdiyanti, and other members.

Closing

EcoTrace is a new chapter in the Indonesian coffee journey. More than just a beverage, this coffee carries a message of health, care for the earth, and added value for farmers. From Payakumbuh, Sumatran coffee is making steady progress.