Grapevine

State to license coffee cooperatives as new export agents

Farmers sort out coffee berries. [File, Standard]

The government will license primary farmers’ coffee cooperative societies as coffee export agents, which is likely to ignite a new business war with established local and international companies.

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Chairman Cornelly Serem disclosed that as part of the new dawn in the coffee sub-sector, the State intends to permit primary coffee societies to market their produce directly to key segments of the international market.

“Having succeeded in licensing farmers associations as coffee brokers in the last few years, our next move is to register new agents to ship coffee overseas. We are working with county governments as well as established farmers’ coffee cooperative societies to ensure they meet all the required regulations before allowing them to export their coffee,” said Mr Serem.

“Licensing primary coffee cooperative societies will help in the reduction of cost of doing business and enhances income to farmers.”