--- Workineh Heldaja, OCFCU member

OCFCU (Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union), the largest Fair Trade coffee producer in Ethiopia, was founded in 1999 when small cooperatives in Ethiopia came together with the goal of exporting their coffee directly to the specialty market.

OCFCU members are dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and social justice in their communities. Women hold prominent positions throughout the organization and all six varieties of OCFCU’s award-winning coffee are produced with organic techniques in bird-friendly conditions. The cooperative became Fair Trade Certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 2002. Today, OCFCU sells its coffee to Fair Trade markets in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union to establish various social and productive programs

Education.
Since 2004 6 new schools and 1 kindergarten have been built with the Fair Trade premium, 8 schools have been improved and additional classrooms have been built for 23 more.

Productive Investment.
OCFCU finances training given to member farmers in sustainable farming methods by development agents. OCFCU’s coffee is forest-grown, organic, and bird-friendly. In addition, member organizations have purchased washing stations for their coffee, and OCFCU has developed a fund for repairing equipment. OCFCU has provided loans to 5 member cooperatives to purchase eco friendly machines to prepare washed coffee. The cooperative also encourages and supports members to intercrop coffee plants with citrus and bananas for consumption, and has distributed 200 beehives to member farmers.

Environment.
OCFCU provides training to its members on organic farming techniques such as composting the by-products of coffee production and utilizing shade trees and natural fertilizers.

Credit Program.
OCFCU is one of the founders and the biggest share holder of Cooperative bank of Oromia which is founded in 2006. This has enabled member cooperatives to easily access loans.

Health.
OCFCU has funded the construction and operation of four local health clinics. OCFCU has also established 56 clean water supply stations for coffee-growing communities.

Transportation Improvements.
OCFCU constructed a local bridge.