A new initiative that will connect farmers in Timor-Leste to larger markets has secured support under the Australian Government’s Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, announced today.

The partnership is supported by $206,000 from the Australian Government and $1.5 million in private investment, bringing together specialty coffee producer Kape Diem, Australian green bean sourcing company Project Origin and Australian profit-for-purpose consultancy 1LM.

The partnership will support economic growth and jobs in Timor-Leste by partnering with local farmers to create greater export opportunities through improved quality of specialist coffee crops.

Minister Seselja said the initiative will support Timor-Leste’s economic recovery following the impacts of COVID-19 and the Easter floods.

“As Timor-Leste’s largest non-oil export, coffee is an essential crop and source of income for much of Timor-Leste’s rural population,” Minister Seselja said.

“This partnership will continue the growth of the speciality coffee market in Timor-Leste, helping establish a sustainable coffee export business that is expected to see increased incomes across 1,000 households.”

“By recognising and strengthening the role of women in the coffee supply chain, the partnership is also championing gender equality in the industry,” Minister Seselja said.

Australia’s aid program has been working with the Timorese coffee industry to increase quality and improve yields since 2015. This partnership will serve as a continuation of that work.

Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste build a more resilient and diversified economy in the wake of COVID-19 and recent natural disasters.