Eatu Fair Agricultural Service Cooperative
Eatu Fair Agricultural Service Cooperative
Address: Ko Tam Village, Eatu Commune, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province
Donor : European Union (EU)
Implementing Agency: Vietnam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI)
Project Duration: the year of 2014 – 2017
Coffee trees have long been present, existed, and developed in Buon Ma Thuot in general and Eatu Commune in particular. Located on the Dak Lak Plateau, Eatu has the characteristic of central highlands climate with two distinct seasons: rainy and dry, ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. In 2014, the Eatu Fair Agricultural Service Cooperative was established with the goal of supporting, supplying agricultural inputs, and consuming output products for its members. The Cooperative’s main business activities include: cultivating, producing, purchasing, and processing coffee, as well as providing fertilizers and agricultural supplies. The Cooperative currently has 49 members, 90% of whom belong to the Ede ethnic minority.
The Cooperative operates based on three core principles:
- Producing and processing coffee according to Fair Trade standards
- Continually improving product quality and promoting sustainable coffee farming
- Developing wet-processed coffee
Coffee at the Cooperative is processed using both wet and dry methods, retaining the natural essence of the sun and wind of the central highlands in every bean. The skillful hands of the locals give the coffee here a distinctive flavor. One could say coffee has become a lifelong companion of the Ede people. It is their main source of income. In many ways, the Ede community unconsciously embeds their cultural values in each coffee bean.
VIRI, in cooperation with the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa), had supported Eatu Cooperative in obtaining Fair Trade certification from the FLO labeling organization in February 2016.
Eatu Cooperative was one of the first two cooperatives certified under the project. The Cooperative has sold 80 tons of coffee through Fair Trade channels.
- Since joining the FT project, the Cooperative has complied with FT criteria: No use of child labor or forced labor, and environmentally friendly production processes
- Ensured safe working conditions for cooperative members: Provided protective equipment, ensured workplace safety, and regulated working hours
- Built capacity and raised awareness among members about Fair Trade principles
- Certified FT coffee has brought numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits to the Cooperative
Economically, FT-certified coffee is sold at better prices, helping improve the economic conditions of member households. Revenue from FT coffee sales has enabled the Cooperative to establish a welfare fund. Part of this fund is used to buy fruit and shade tree seedlings for members to cultivate in line with Fair Trade practices and improve product quality. Shade trees such as avocado, durian, and pepper not only support coffee cultivation but also generate extra income from their produce.
Environmentally, the Cooperative purchases organic fertilizers for low-income farmers to promote sustainable production and climate resilience. The use of organic fertilizers helps protect the environment, improve soil quality, and produce clean agricultural goods.
In terms of labor safety, the Cooperative provides protective gear to coffee producers, and raincoats for members during the wet season.
Socially, equity in production and benefit sharing among members is ensured, with no discrimination based on ethnicity.
The welfare fund supports the children of member families to attend school and provides gifts to disadvantaged students. The Cooperative also organizes group activities for children. With this fund, Eatu has formed youth and children’s football teams and provided team uniforms.
Cultural preservation of the Ede ethnic minority is always a priority of the Cooperative. Through organizing community events such as music performances, recreational activities, and gift-giving on International Children’s Day, the cooperative contributes to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community bonds.