Workforce shortage in the agricultural sector throughout the world is driving large scale automation. Recently coffee major Starbucks announced that it had bought two innovation farms in Central America. The move is aimed at protecting its coffee supply from the effect of climate change.

According to media reports, the farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala will study hybrid coffee varieties to advance research and development of climate-resilient coffee.

The Costa Rica farm will also pilot drones and other labor-saving technologies as Starbucks explores the use of automation to address workforce shortages in Latin America.

According to report published in Agriculture Dive, Starbucks now operates three innovation farms. It bought its first farm in Costa Rica more than a decade ago. The company is planning additional farm investments in Africa and Asia.