Producer Profiles
SCFCU - Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
The Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (SCFCU) was formed in 2001 as an association of 39 member cooperatives located throughout the Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. Nearly all coffee produced by members is shade-grown in low densities under the canopies of indigenous trees. Fair Trade Certified TM since 2003, SCFCU serves to develop stable producer and buyer relationships and export all members' high-quality coffee directly to international markets while improving the lives of workers and their community. Sidama has won several titles in global cupping competitions, such as the SCAA Cupping Pavilion in 2005 and 2006.
Programs
Production Capacity and Quality Control Training
The association provides professional training to all managers and machine operators to develop their skills for processing quality products. Training is also provided to improve quality control, and inspectors assigned to each region supervise all stages of the production process. Member cooperatives purchased Ecologic Coffee Pulpery, which allows members to control more of the production process.
Organic Certification Assistance
The cooperative assists members with organic production and maintaining organic certification.
Scholarships and School Buildings
The association gives scholarships to hundreds of members’ children and funded three new buildings for local elementary schools.