30 June 2025 – Poerema, Ermera
The Federation of Solidarity Economy (FES) officially launched its 2025 coffee purchasing season today in Poerema Village, Fatubolu Suco, Hatulia B Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality. This initiative is part of FES's long-term commitment to strengthening a people-centered economy that uplifts rural livelihoods and supports fair trade principles.
On the first day alone, FES successfully purchased around 2 tons of parchment coffee from its farmer members. The price was set at $3.65 per kilogram for standard-quality coffee - an important benchmark that not only reflects fair market value but also ensures economic dignity for smallholder farmers in the region.
"This is not just about buying coffee. It’s about valuing the work of our farmers and investing in local production systems that benefit communities - not corporations," said Santana a representative of FES during the launch.
The coffee purchasing program is carried out in collaboration with local cooperatives such as Kooperativa Slulu (KoSlu), UNAER (Ermera Farmers Union), and Kooperativa Fulidaidai-Slulu (KFS), who play a key role in organizing producers and ensuring product quality. This program is also supported by international fair trade partners, including PARCIC’s - People Trade Company (PTC) and ZHENSO in Japan, and CCFD Terre Solidaire, APHEDA, and EARTH WORKERS Cooperative in Australia.
A Model of Solidarity in Practice
FES is grounded in the principles of the solidarity economy: collective ownership, democratic decision-making, fair distribution of value, and ecological sustainability. With over 468 households organized under 15 base committees, the Federation is more than a buyer - it is a platform for rural communities to reclaim control over their production and trade.
This year’s coffee campaign builds on previous efforts to link producers directly with ethical buyers, eliminate exploitative middlemen, and ensure transparency in pricing and quality standards. Through these mechanisms, FES aims to create an alternative economic model that centers on human rights, ecological justice, and economic solidarity.
Looking Ahead
Following the initial purchase in Poerema, the Federation will continue purchasing from other communities across Ermera in the coming weeks. With high participation from member farmers and increasing interest from international buyers, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful seasons yet for FES.
About FES
The Federation of Solidarity Economy (FES) is a grassroots initiative uniting rural cooperatives and farmers’ unions in Timor-Leste to develop a solidarity-based economic system. Through programs in production, processing, marketing, and political education, FES works to transform the economy in a way that centers justice, cooperation, and community resilience.
