The shiny plants provide a striking contrast to the dry trees seen on many coffee farms affected by drought last year, resulting in the loss of the 2025 coffee crop. At Joha, trees are arranged in nine large circles that border each other on a vast tropical savanna. The circular layout is designed for efficient irrigation, allowing for up to 20 hours of daily watering.

Water scarcity in Brazil's traditional coffee-growing region in Minas Gerais has made irrigation challenging due to declining water tables. In response to the previous year's drought, there is a shift towards irrigation methods, although the costs vary depending on factors such as proximity to water sources and the depth of the water table.

Previously, Brazilian coffee growers relied heavily on natural rains, with only about 30% of coffee fields being irrigated. However, changing rainfall patterns due to climate change are prompting a transformation in coffee farming practices.

With the adoption of irrigation systems, farms like Joha can significantly increase coffee production. Larger, industrial-scale farms with access to irrigation play a crucial role in meeting global coffee demand, especially in Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer.

Despite challenges like the high cost of implementing irrigation systems, coffee farmers are adapting to secure profitable production under changing climate conditions. The increased use of irrigation in coffee cultivation is seen as a crucial response to the ongoing water shortage crisis in Brazilian coffee-growing regions.