Accessing the Coffee Growers
Paradise Coffees Fairtrade Coffee
Paradise Coffees Papua New Guinea Certified organic and Fairtrade registered green coffee
Profile on the Highlands Organic Agriculture Co-operative Limited (HOAC) (FLO. I.D 2897) in conjunction with the exporter Coffee Connections Limited (FLO. I.D. 3120).
NASAA organic certification 8081P, NASAA, NASAA / NOP(USDA) certified and Fairtrade registered.
Organic Coffee World Distribution
Rich Soil & Resilient Communities
The Purosa Region
The Purosa region is a visually stunning area within the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Here, an abundance of rainfall combined with fertile volcanic soil creates the perfect environment for cultivating traditional varieties of Arabica coffee.
Located 93 kilometers southwest of Goroka township, the capital of the Eastern Highlands, Purosa serves as a central hub for numerous coffee-related and community activities. This vibrant center supports the livelihoods of the surrounding farmers and their families.
The region experiences significant rainfall, reaching up to 3.5 meters annually. Due to the scarcity of gravel and the absence of sealed roads, accessing local villages is often challenging. Comfortable travel is typically limited to the “dry” season from April to October, which conveniently aligns with the peak coffee harvest period.
Given the area’s isolation and difficult access, a strategic decision was made years ago to pursue organic coffee production. This shift aimed to add value to the crop, compensating for logistical challenges and historically low prices. The recent introduction of Fairtrade certification has further energized the community, sparking a renewed enthusiasm among growers to participate in the Fairtrade program.
Impact of Fairtrade Registration
Forming the cooperative group and meeting the rigorous requirements for Fairtrade registration was a multi-year journey. Even during the initial period, before any price premiums were returned to the growers, observers witnessed a remarkable transformation within the Purosa communities—a newfound sense of cohesion and cooperation began to take root.
Ultimately, achieving Fairtrade registration has united the growers under a common cause: development through self-help.
This shared purpose has revitalized the community, making the future look significantly brighter and more sustainable for everyone involved.
Cooperative Goals & Vision
The cooperative’s aims and objectives were formally established during the annual meeting in November 2017. These goals guide our collective efforts and are set down as follows:
- Infrastructure Improvement: Enhancing local roads by introducing community responsibility for minor maintenance within respective clan areas.
- Educational Support: Launching programs to supply essential textbooks and desks to the 20 primary schools throughout the Purosa/Okapa district.
- Healthcare Assistance: Strengthening four health centers and aid posts by providing beds, mattresses, and vital medical drugs for the sick.
- Strategic Partnerships: Actively participating in World Bank (PPAP) assistance programs to further regional development.
- Community Empowerment: Supporting various community groups, with a particular focus on empowering women's groups.
HOAC Village Improvements
Water Supply
Water Supply
Coffee Pulpers
Schools
Expected Coffee Production in 2018
Based on tree counts from our registered grower groups, we project a production potential of between 1,500 and 2,500 tonnes for the 2018 season. While transport from the Okapa junction to Goroka is generally reliable, the smaller feeder roads present significant logistical hurdles. These paths are often only accessible by tractor and trailer. In the most difficult cases, growers must resort to carrying small loads of parchment coffee on their backs for one or two days to reach a collection point. Currently, these constraints limit the area from realizing its full potential.
Future Prospects
Despite these challenges, the future is looking significantly brighter. As the global popularity of this exquisite coffee continues to rise and sales increase, the resulting benefits will flow directly back to the growers of the Purosa region in Papua New Guinea.
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Fairtrade Benefits to the coffee growing community.