Pangaea Organica

"Fair Trade has shown us that, through our own efforts, development can come to our area." --- Eno Nosare, HOAC Member

HOAC (Highland Organic Agriculture Cooperative Ltd.) is an organization of farmers in the remote Eastern Highlands Province of the Okapa Region of Papua New Guinea. Created in 2004, HOAC was formed to tap into the collective voice of the quality coffee growers in Okapa. The cooperative has brought people together to discuss community issues such as poor road access, whereas before there was no focal point for meetings and discussions. Coffee Connections, an exporter of certified organic coffee in the region, facilitated the formation of HOAC in order to increase local benefits beyond higher prices.

Since becoming Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 2005, increased revenue has allowed HOAC farmers to take better care of their plants and improve the quality of their coffee.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Highland Organic Agriculture Cooperative to establish various social and productive programs.

Education The cooperative has purchased textbooks and desks for community schools and has provided materials for the construction of new schools.

Productive Investment Farmers have improved their coffee quality through technical assistance programs offered by the co-op.

Health The cooperative purchased new mattresses for health care centers in the region.

Transportation Improvements HOAC has improved local roads and purchased a vehicle to transport people to and from the area.