Description of the Coffee Programme

Introduction
The Progreso Programme is a long-term project (from 5 to7 years) that has been formulated by Green Development Foundation and is based on the guidelines of DOEN Foundation concerning the coffee sector. The main aim of the programme is to improve the socio-economic position of small coffee producers in Latin America & Africa. First of all, relationships will be established between the selected organisations in order to develop a pre-finance system for the coffee harvest and strengthen the market position. During execution of the programme, special attention will be given to independent financing of the organisations. This will stimulate the development and promotion of internal or external capital funds.

About DOEN Foundation
The DOEN Foundation strives to make the world a better place. Therefore, it >provides funding for organizations and projects wich stimulate Nature and Environment, Development Cooperation and Human Rights. The DOEN Foundation achieves its objective through the revenues it receives from the Dutch Postcode Lottery.

The DOEN Foundation's coffee-program strives to improve the socio-economic position of small coffee producers in Latin America and Africa. To the DOEN Foundation it is important that coffee producers unite themselves in cooperations so they can acquire a stronger position on the coffee market. This is crucial for an increase of their profits. And essential for improving the standard of living of their employees and families.

Four components
We are convinced that a strong marketpostion and financial sound organisation is a precondition to guarantee long term rural development. Therefore the Coffee programme has four components to guarantee an integrated approach. These are:

1. Access to finance (pre-finance for coffee export and for long term investments).
2. Access to markets (conventional and specialty coffee markets).
3. Technical assistance for institutional development (implemented by the Rabobank Foundation).
4. Project funding for the diversification of the coffee production.