Ethiopia – Buture

Ethiopia – Buture

Jimma Farmers Multi-purpose Agricultural Cooperative Union (JFMACU) is a well-established cooperative based in Ethiopia’s Jimma Zone, in the Oromia Region. It was founded in 2004 with 14 primary cooperatives and 7,818 members. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now consists of 212 cooperatives and 141,146 farmer members, including 28 coffee-producing cooperatives.

The union operates in major coffee-growing areas such as Mana, Kersa, Shebe, Seka Chekorsa, and Mencho, with 11,073 hectares under coffee production as of 2023. JFMACU is known for producing high-quality washed and natural coffees from coffee cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 meters above sea level. The region’s favorable tropical climate and abundant rainfall contribute to the distinctiveness of its coffee.

JFMACU holds certifications such as Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and C.A.F.E. Practices, reflecting its commitment to sustainable and ethical production. The union exports coffee to international markets, including Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Taiwan, and the Middle East.

In addition to coffee production, the union actively supports community development projects. These include the construction of schools and health centers, the provision of clean water, and support for educational initiatives. Such efforts aim to improve the living standards of farmers and their communities.