



RWANDA KIVU RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
WOMEN PRODUCED COFFEE
Our Organic, Rainforest Alliance Rwanda coffee is by COOPAC, an association of approximately 2,200 small coffee producers from communities in the Rubavu and the Rutsiro districts, located in the Western Province of Rwanda. This farmer society was founded in 2001 to renew quality coffee production in the region and create a sustainable form of income for its members. COOPAC has invested in the construction of 50 washing stations that stretch across the northern side of Lake Kivu.
COOPAC is committed to environmental and social sustainability in addition to producing high-quality coffee. Waste by-products from processing are used as fertilizer and shade trees are distributed to farmers to prevent soil erosion. The co-operative also has a program to distribute cows and goats to the farmers to boost and diversify their income. COOPAC also has a comprehensive technical assistance program to help members incorporate and adhere to strict organic practices on their farms.
COOPAC is also committed to fair trade community based initiatives which has so far enabled in the construction of schools, health-care clinics, roads and bridges as well as local women and youth development programs. COOPAC's consistent cup quality has been recognized in the Rwanda Cup of Excellence since 2008
