As it is pointed out in the passage, over the past ten years or so, the condition of coffee farmers ----.

The global market for coffee has failed, and needs
a complete overhaul so that farmers can get more
for their beans. The plunging price of coffee over
the past decade has certainly caused regrettable
misery for many farmers. Big coffee companies
now stand accused of placing profits before
people. If efforts are made to cut down on the
profits, the companies will almost certainly fight
back to keep up their excessive profits. It is likely
that they will win because the trade barriers set by
rich countries means that it is hard for coffee
farmers to change over and grow other crops.