In 1927, a group of growers got together to form a ìguild,î or federation, to help each other. The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia is a nonprofit and nonpolitical cooperative that tries to stabilize the market for Colombian coffee and undertakes research, social assistance and promotion programs on behalf of the small, independent farmers.

With the supervision of the Colombian government and supported by a tax on coffee exports, the Federation has succeeded in protecting the cafeteros against falling coffee prices. When prices fall below an established minimum, the Federation steps in and buys the crop, storing it in central locations and putting it on the world market in times of shortage. This guarantees the cafetero a steady income, yet allows him to sell his coffee on the open market when prices rise above the Federation minimum.

The Federationís social programs help to improve the standard of living for the more than four million Colombians (almost 15% of the population) that depend upon coffee for their livelihood. The Federation has established thousands of miles of access roads, a safe and adequate water supply, schools, electrification, housing, health centers and a number of coffee processing facilities. In addition to improved living conditions, the cafetero has been able to benefit from low-cost loans, company stores and cooperatives, and training in managing and diversifying his crops.

Most important, the Federation establishes and maintains the highest standards for Colombian coffee. It carefully monitors and controls the coffee that leaves Colombian shores. In addition, it invests heavily in research to improve the product and the farming and processing methods, and in training growers.

Today, Colombiaís 300,000 small, independent coffee growers are no longer alone in the vast world of international trade. Through their representatives in the Federation, they have a voice in the future of Colombian coffee.