Ethiopia Oromia Union Washed

In Ethiopia, the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) is a farmer-owned cooperative representing producers across the Oromia Regional State, which accounts for approximately 65% of Ethiopia’s coffee-growing land. Founded in 1999 with 34 member cooperatives, OCFCU was created to enable smallholder farmers to export coffee directly. Today, it includes 217 primary cooperatives representing more than 200,000 farming households. OCFCU returns 70% of its net profits to member cooperatives, which in turn pass 70% on to farmers, who are paid three times per season for greater financial stability. The union also invests in schools, health centers, clean water projects, and provides pre-harvest financing and other financial services to its members.