About the cooperative

The Highland Organic Agriculture Cooperative (HOAC) is located in the remote Okapa region of Papua New Guinea. In 2005, it became the first Fairtrade certified organisation in the Pacific. The region hosts ideal conditions for high quality coffee with approximately 80% of the country’s coffee coming from this region.

Coffee provides the majority of income for rural families in Okapa. There are no other major industries in this isolated area so unemployment is high, infrastructure is poor and literacy rates are low. Farmers contend with a rugged mountain terrain and a 5-10 hour trip to the nearest market town. Coffee is an ideal crop for these conditions, because it can be stored for 2 to 3 months without risk of perishing like other fresh produce.

Being part of the Fairtrade system is improving the quality of coffee and improving the lives of the farmers and their families.

In 2019, it was reported that 20,800 people were benefiting from HOAC's relationship with Fairtrade, for projects such as:

• • > The purchase of 1600 pulpers and 412 secateurs - including training on how to use them to increase production efficiency

  • > Provide access to clean water via the construction of new infrastructure

  • > Fund the construction of school buildings, and development of financial literacy workshops for the better management of income

  • > Supply iron roofing to improve housing quality

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  • Who knew a cup of Oxfam fair World Blend coffee could be so empowering!