FUNCTIONS AND GOALS OF EAFCA

Marketing

• Create an economic hub through the development of a network of specialty coffee importers/exporters.
• Lead the development of an Eastern African Specialty Coffee Exchange.

Quality

• Promote quality from tree to cup through vigorous education programs.
• Issue certification of grades and origin that will be recognized throughout the industry.
• Facilitate the production, certification and market linkages for Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FLO) and organic certified coffee.

Advocacy

Act as an advocacy body to promote coffee-friendly policies in all countries. EAFCA wants to make trade with specialty producers a business friendly proces

Promotion

Promote East African specialty coffees to the consuming public.

Research

Coordinate with regional and global research institutions concerning the introduction of new varieties concerning the introduction of new varieties, disease prevention, and value addition.

Smallholder Focused

Assure that smallholder producers gain fair value from the market for their specialty produce.

EAFCA's GOALS

Co-ordination and facilitation of Common EAFCA Promotion Programs

EAFCA will coordinate joint coffee promotion programs, most of which are too expensive for the individual countries. EAFCA will also put in place an information system and will spearhead the development of the East African Specialty Coffee Exchange.

Co-ordination of specialist committees and task forces

EAFCA will work for the common good of the members and the industry in the region, and bring together professionals, specialists and others in finding solutions to problems in the industry.

Helping growers' organizations and associations in as much as it is possible in the realisation of the EAFCA dream

EAFCA will work towards the establishment of Grower and Business Support systems that will enhance the performance of the producers and improve efficiency in market access.

Facilitation and promotion of policy dialogue with regional and local Governments as economic integration advances

EAFCA will play a coordination role in policy dialogue, and as an advocate for policy reform and implementation for the benefit of the members

Standardization and harmonization of practices and activities of common interest

EAFCA will play a role in pursuing issues that affect the logistics and business environment related to coffee and which are of common interest to all members - including certification, export documentation, taxation, duties, freight rates, grading systems, etc.

Liaison between the Trade and Coffee Research Networks in the region

To work closely with the Eastern African research network, also known as CORNET [Coffee Research Network] and ASARECA to explore ways to improve coffee quality through science and to meet the needs and requirements of the market and consolidate this through partnerships with the trade.

Promotion of domestic consumption

EAFCA will coordinate with regional coffee roasters, retailers, coffee shops, cafes and others on how best to improve domestic consumption (in the EAC and COMESA regions), and promote the development of a positive coffee culture.