CECOCAFEN, the Coffee Cooperatives Central in the Northern Regions, is an umbrella organization for the promotion and sale of quality coffees from nine cooperatives representing some 1,200 coffee farmer families. The basis of their operations rests upon: producing a quality coffee, establishing programs for ecological practices, and offering equitable opportunities for integrated development in their members' communities.

During visits to the region, we consistently witness these three elements at work. With fair trade premiums and development credits, CECOCAFEN was able to purchase the SolCafÈ processing plant, equipped with ample drying beds, a complete line of sorting machines and a fully equipped cupping laboratory. Internalizing these steps for processing and testing, allows CECOCAFEN to improve quality control and to negotiate significantly better prices for the farmers.

It is an impressive sight - from tiny piles to great pyramids - to see their members' coffee spread across the drying patios. CECOCAFEN receives each producer's coffee separately and tests for quality and humidity content. The cooperative is promoting each producer region for its specific characteristics and is in the process of establishing "brand recognition" for their corresponding coffees.

The results of their collective labor speak for themselves. Their Fair Trade coffee sales have grown steadily, and so have the numbers of children able to participate in CECOCAFEN's high school, technical training and university scholarship program. The increased income has also allowed community women's groups to participate in a micro-savings and loan program facilitating a variety of production projects and additional food on the table.

Check out the May 2005 issue of Fair Grounds to read about our recent visit to CECOCAFEN.