Venidora Oliveira – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has established Timor-Leste Coffee Producers Association (APKTL), aimed at controlling the price of coffee in the country.
Minister Estanislau da Silva said the government also planned to set price of coffee based on international standards as currently there was a lack of certainty in relation to quality and price.
He also called on the APKTL to work with the government in coffee-growing areas and also raise any concerns.
"The government cannot establish coffee prices or a competitive price, therefore the association will take responsibility," he said.
Association members include representatives from agricultural communities, as well as coffee specialists. This is the first time the government has established a dedicated association for coffee producers.
The minister hoped that the presence of APKTL would push the government to pay closer attention to coffee production and develop the industry as a way of generating state revenue.
National MP Josefa Alvares Soares the initiative would help control coffee prices and avoid manipulation. "This is a good program so that the price is balanced and steady," she said.
However, she called on the association to work with sincerity and nationalism in developing coffee production in the country.
National MP Jacinta Abucau said it was still too early to talk about progress as APKTL was only a new association. However, she hoped that APKTL would work efficiently to develop the coffee industry, both in Timor and overseas.