Vietnam
''Farmer Field Schools as training methodology for proper crop management in Tan Lam''.
In 2001, this project started as a public-private partnership of Talaco, Kraft Foods, DE Foundation and GTZ. Talaco is a former state-owned enterprise that buys coffee berries from contracted producers and processes these into green beans for export and local consumption. Kraft Foods was responsible for activities related to the improvement in coffee processing. DE Foundation took the responsibility for the agronomic issues. GTZ supported financially and with expertise in all activities. In 2004, the project was prolonged to solve a number of social issues mainly with ethnic minorities in remote areas.
In June 2006, the project came to an end. Coffee producers agreed that the objectives had been achieved and it was time to continue without further external support. The project ending was celebrated with a big party, with around a thousand producers, their families, officials from the district and support staff.
Focus of the project
To improve coffee cultivation practices and to develop an organization that can support producers by providing technical advice.
Activities
A technical service department was established to facilitate the set-up of Farmer Field School (FFS), FFS meetings, to execute simple field experiments, organize and analyze crop management registration by producers.
Results
- Project participants used less artificial fertilizers and pesticides, while improving their average production
- Reduction of waste due to processing improvements
- Talaco and its contract producers obtained UTZ Certified certification in 2003
- Talaco and contract producers have continued the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and the certification UTZ Certified without support of the DE Foundation
Partners
- Tan Lam Agricultural Products Joint Stock Company (Talaco)
- Plant Research International (PRI): www.pri.nl
- EDE Consulting: www.ede-consulting.de
- Deutsche Gesellschaft fúr Technische Zusammenarbeit: www.gtz.de
- Kraft Foods
Map of the region
Project details
| Improvement of coffee quality and sustainability of coffee production in Vietnam | |
| Location |
Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province |
| Products |
Semi-wet processed Arabica |
| Duration |
2001-2006 |
| Elevation |
600-700 m |
| Project farms |
150 farms & 1,000 people reached |
| Average farm size |
Total 1 ha with only coffee, producing 3000 kg green coffee |
Results so far
- Better use if fertilizers & pesticides
- Improvement of production
- Enormous reduction of waste
- Producers are UTZ Certified
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Our methods and philosophy
The DE Foundation works to further sustainability in mainstream coffee and tea, working in particular with small-scale producers. In 3-5 years projects we work to improve the quality of their produce, support the implementation of sustainable practices and create market access with better prices.
Annual Report
DE Foundation is fully sponsored by Sara Lee’s Coffee and Tea division. As a non-profit organisation, the foundation receives an annual donation of € 1.2 million. This money is spent on DE Foundation projects in accordance with the strategy agreed upon by the DE Foundation Board.