Research and Conservation Foundation of Papua New Guinea

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Organic coffee and vanilla

Organic Coffee

One of the environmentally friendly income generating activity which RCF facilitates is organic coffee which the people of Abigarama and Mengino are engaged in. RCF's emphasis in on producing high quality green beans which could be sold at a good price.

The main aspect of growing organic coffee is to have the end product to be of high quality. This covers a whole range of processes ranging from growing right through to drying and eventually selling high quality green beans for better prices.

Thus in November 2007 a Fair Trade coffee specialist, Mr. Kaimi Warin visited Abigarama and Mengino in Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area (CMWMA) that grows coffee. His visit was basically to do an assessment on the current coffee situation there and then decide on what would be the most simple but appropriate skills to grow and sell khigh quality green bean coffee. During the visit he also discussed with the coffee growers the Fair Trade requirements. The coffee growers are looking forward to working with him in 2008.

Organic Vanilla

The other environmentally friendly income generating activity which RCF facilitates is organic vanilla and this is with the people of Haia and Soliabedo. The important aspect of growing organic vanilla is for the final product to be of high quality which means the farmers have to be trained thoroughly in al the steps involved in vanilla farming.

Again RCF works in partnership with the people who are experts who are able to provide thechnical skill to the farmers. RCF is now working in Partnership with the Highlands Vanilla Project who have a lot of experience in high quality vanilla production as well as sales and marke