In the high mountain landscapes of Timor-Leste, coffee farming is both a tradition and a lifeline. For generations, smallholder farmers have cultivated coffee on steep slopes, facing isolation, climate challenges, and unstable markets. Since becoming Fairtrade certified in 2017, the Cooperativa Comercio Agricola de Timor (C-CAT), a small-scale coffee farmers’ cooperative, has transformed these challenges into opportunities — driven by one powerful tool: the Fairtrade Premium.

At C-CAT, farmers collectively decide how this Premium is invested. Every decision is guided by one purpose: to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and strengthen the future of coffee farming communities with a major focus on increasing the quality and quantity of coffee production in Timor-Leste. 

Today, 1,501 farmer members cultivate coffee across 2,481.5 hectares in the region of Ermera, Ainaru, Aileu, Manufahi, Manatuto, and Liquica,, producing 192,000 kg of Fairtrade-certified Hybrid Arabica Timor coffee annually. But behind these numbers lies a story of tangible change — built Premium by Premium, project by project.

“Before we joined Fairtrade, coffee prices were low, and farmers didn’t understand quality processing. We had no international market access. Fairtrade changed everything — it gave us knowledge, markets, and clean water. Today, our cooperative is strong because the Premium is invested where it matters most.”

Carlito Alves – C-CAT Manager

Environmental Sustainability: Protecting Land, Water, and Climate

C-CAT’s coffee farms lie between 800 and 1,900 meters above sea level, on steep and erosion-prone terrain. Heavy rains, dry seasons, and aging coffee trees once threatened production and food security. Fairtrade Premium projects now address these challenges directly.

Tree nurseries and replanting programs have been established by cooperative members to replace aging coffee trees with stronger, higher-yielding varieties. Farmers also grow native trees and grasses in these nurseries, which are later planted on farms to stabilize soil and restore biodiversity.

To combat land erosion, farmers have planted grass barriers and constructed terraces across coffee plots. These natural barriers prevent fertile soil from being washed away during heavy rainfall while enriching soil structure over time.

Around 500 farmers have planted shade trees across their farms. These trees protect coffee plants from harsh sunlight and heavy rain, regulate temperature, increase humidity, and improve bean development. Shade trees also serve as habitats for birds and insects, increasing on-farm biodiversity.

During dry seasons, water scarcity was once a major concern. Farmers now plant trees and grasses specifically to conserve water, helping maintain soil moisture and sustain crops through drought periods.

All coffee is grown organically, without herbicides or pesticides. Through Premium-funded training, farmers learn environmentally friendly weed control and soil management techniques that preserve ecosystem health while keeping production costs low.

"I’ve expanded my coffee farm and planted even more crops. We can now tell the difference between good and bad coffee plants, we remove the ones with small beans and grow stronger, higher-yielding plants to increase our profit. I’ve also started rehabilitating old crops and planting new ones to further improve coffee quality.

We now plant coffee at the correct spacing, pick it properly without damaging the trees, and remove poor-quality beans to focus on the good ones.

To grow organic coffee, we build terraces that act as protective barriers while enriching the soil and improving its fertility. This not only enhances the quality of our beans but also prevents them from being washed away during heavy rains."

Antonio Tilman – 61 years old - Member of C-CAT – Coffee farming was passed down from his ancestors

Social Sustainability: Clean Water, Community Infrastructure, and Women’s Empowerment

Before Fairtrade, many C-CAT communities lacked access to safe water and basic infrastructure. Fairtrade Premium funds have been directed to projects that improve daily life beyond the coffee farm. Poor basic infrastructures are main obstacle for farmer market accessibility and quality improvement of coffee.  There is no organic compost development in order to increase soil nutrient doubling the crops. 

Community water tanks and spring-water systems have been built using Premium funds, ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water for households. This reduces time spent collecting water and lowers the incidence of waterborne illnesses. Around 5% of coffee farmers are unable to access clean water due to the available water source at down level of the river bank. 

African drying nets and raised drying frames have been distributed to farmer groups. These improve coffee drying hygiene and consistency while also creating shared community spaces for post-harvest activities and knowledge exchange.

Fairtrade Premium investments have also supported women’s income-generating activities. Women now grow vegetables and raise fish in local ponds, providing food for families and additional household income outside the coffee season.

Through these projects, women strengthen their role in household decision-making and community leadership, increasing gender equity across cooperative membership.

Training programs funded by the Premium equip farmers with knowledge in quality control, organic farming, and cooperative governance — ensuring inclusive participation and stronger community leadership.

Economic Sustainability: Higher Quality, Higher Income, Stable Markets

On the processing side, cooperative members use manual coffee pulpers for small-scale production, reducing electricity use and minimizing wastewater pollution while allowing careful, hands-on handling of beans. This gentle processing preserves the distinctive character of C-CAT’s Hybrid Arabica Timor, fully washed and prized for its clean cup and balanced flavor. 

For years, farmers sold unprocessed coffee cherries at very low prices. Without equipment or knowledge, they could not access specialty markets.

Fairtrade Premium projects have changed this reality.

The cooperative has invested in:
• Coffee pulper machines
• Bean-sorting equipment
• Raised drying beds
• Drying nets
• Quality control training

These equipments now supports farmers to consistently produce fully washed specialty coffee with an outturn score of 84% (Grade A), meeting international specialty market standards. Instead of selling raw cherries to middlemen, farmers sell high-quality coffee parchment directly to C-CAT for better prices.

With improved quality and direct export through the Port of Dili during the October–December shipment period, the cooperative now reaches premium international buyers. 

"At C-CAT, our goal is to ensure coffee farmers can live well. They grow the coffee and sell it to the market, while we act as a bridge, connecting them with companies. Thanks to our Fairtrade certification, companies operating in Timor-Leste cannot control or unfairly influence the market price. We monitor global coffee prices, so farmers are aware when prices rise or fall, ensuring transparency and fairness."

Cornelio da Conceição – C-CAT President

After the coffee harvest from April to September, farmers cultivate vegetables on their land, generating additional off-season income and strengthening household food security.

Together, these environmental and economic investments reduce soil erosion, improve water retention, increase biodiversity, and build climate-resilient, fully organic coffee farms — safeguarding long-term supply for buyers and sustainable livelihoods for farming families.

Lasting Change, One Premium project at a Time

Behind every shipment is a cooperative of empowered farmers, protected landscapes, and thriving rural communities — all made possible through the Fairtrade Premium.

Remote farmers, once isolated by poor roads, now benefit from organized collection systems and cooperative transport arrangements, reducing labour burdens and increasing profit margins. As a result, farmers receive higher coffee prices, household incomes have increased, income sources have diversified, and direct access to international markets has been secured — ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for commercial partners.

For buyers, sourcing from C-CAT means verified impact, consistent specialty supply, and transparent farmer-led development.

For consumers, every cup supports education, clean water, environmental protection, and fair incomes.