COOPAC, Rwanda
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Perched on the steep hills of the of West province of Rwanda Gisenyi, the Coopérative pour la Promotion des Activités-Café (COOPAC), is set on the shores of Lake Kivo below seven Virunga volcanoes. The region's high altitude, heavy rainfall, and mineral-rich soils provide perfect conditions for growing the finest Arabica coffees.
Coffee has long been Rwanda’s largest export, but production plunged following the genocide of 1994. Despite these challenges, COOPAC has doubled its production each year since its 2001 founding. Up until the mid-90's the Rwandan coffee industry was entirely controlled by government and foreign entities, but because COOPAC is a leading example of locally-owned coffee enterprises they demonstrate the potential of the Rwandan coffee market to benefit local communities.
Fair Trade Certified by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) since 2003, COOPAC focuses on gender equality, economic development, and environmental conservation.
The Fair Trade premium has enabled COOPAC to establish various social and productive programs.
Education:
The co-op's first year of Fair Trade revenues were invested in the
construction of two primary schools. The cooperative also offers education credits.
Productive Investment:
COOPAC has initiated a livestock distribution program in which its members are provided with cows and goats and are later able to distribute the livestock's offspring to other members. This program was initiated in tandem with an organic conversion program.
Credit Program:
COOPAC offers low-interest financing to members.
Transportation Improvements:
COOPAC has built health care clinics, roads and bridges with contributions from Fair Trade funds.
Quality Recognition:
In 2007, COOPAC took first place among Rwandan producers in the Eastern African Fine Coffee Association cupping competition and placed third overall with a cupping score of 86.08. |
Fair Trade Coffee 
