FairTrade Drippack Project
―LAOS Study Tour 2015―
Aug.16,2015~Aug.24,2015
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Champasak Province Paksong
Contents
1. Overview of the Fairtrade Drippack Project
2. History of the Drippack Project
3. Impression of Study tour (2014 summer)
4. Activity Report 2014(Ap.1,2014~Mar.14,2015) Photos
5.Activity Report 2015(Ap.1.2015~Aug.16.2015) Photos
1. Overview of the Fairtrade Drippack Project
Fairtrade Drippack Project (popular name is Doripro) is the student organization which
aims to play as a bridge between Laos and Japan through the Laos’s coffee. We buy the
green beans from ATJ that is produced by JCFC and then we send green beans to
Ryutsu Service (roasting company in Shizuoka) and order roasting and packaging. We
sell our products at event and festival held around Tokyo and appeal the attraction of
Laos’s coffee to our customers. We also release the information about coffee farmer’s
story to public at our website.
2. History of the Drippack Project
Drippack Project was established in 2011.Mr.Minoo recruited the college
students those who had an interest in Fairtrade and also had an intention to
visit Laos and meet coffee producers.2015, this year will be the 5th year for us,
so we would like to introduce our history.
2011 1st year
Date Activity
5.1,2011 Drippack Project established
6.25,2011 Start developing Drippack
8.5.2011 1st Study tour
9.2.2011 Finish developing Drippack
10.1.2011 Sold 1000 Drippack
12.1.2011 1st year result report meeting
2012 2nd year
Date Activity
1.1,2012 2nd year start
1.14.2012 Start developing new products (coffee bean and powder)
5.10.2012 Start selling coffee bean and powder(city roast)
8.6.2012 2nd study tour
10.6.2012 1st Dripro cafe
11.17.2012 2nd year result report meeting
3rd year 2013
Date Activity
12.27.2012 3rd yaer start
1.15.2013 Start developing new product(coffee bean and powder)
2.28.2013 3rd study tour
4.1.2013 Start selling coffee bean and powder(Full city roast)
6.15.2013 2nd Dripro cafe
11.9.2013 Last meeting
11.23.2013 3rd year result report meeting
4th year 2014
Date Activity
4.1.2014 4th yrar start
5.17.2014 Laos festival(Tokyo)
8.17.2014 4th study tour
11.1.2014 Discussing about fair-trade
3.14.2015 4th year result report meeting
3. Impression of Study tour (2014 summer)
1. Ishidera Takahiro
I had an excellent time in Laos. Before visiting, I wasn’t very interested in Laos and fair
trade that our project has relation to. To tell the truth, out of a sense of obligation as a
leader, I decided to go to Laos. Then, why do I feel the trip was excellent? I would like to
write down the experience that led to change my thought.
Speaking rudely, but Laos is the most undeveloped country that I went. I understood
that my recognition for Laos was wrong by staying there. As is often the case in Japan,
people can live very comfortably. Therefore, Japanese come to think that to be convenient
is an absolute standard of happiness and people in "poor" countries may be unhappy. As
long as I know the situation of other “poor” countries, and think that there are many
beggars in streets and children work for their families. Like those countries, I thought
that would feel be oppressed in Laos, but I did not have such an impression at all.
Markets are thronged with people, everybody is cheerful, and Children are playing
innocently. There are so calm scenes. It was conversely shocking, and I was ashamed of
my ignorance and assumption.
Not all lifestyle in Laos is suited to smoothly for me. However, it also was of course I feel
the difference of values. The Remarkable point is that information and entertainment
are the priority than sanitation. Some families use shared toilets, and there are no baths
in villages, but audio sets and televisions in each house. Also, some wealthy families
have karaoke sets and village people gather and sing. Those become divorced from my
value, still I think such life is also good because life is the aggregate of things that people
need.
It is also a reason I enjoyed the trip that I liked Laotian food. The most impressive dish
is seen dat. You enjoy it with a cookpot that a center is bulged, and how to eat it is
interesting. How to eat it is that: grilling meat at its top part and boiling vegetables at
its bottom part. This style is stemmed from Korean barbecue and Japanese sukiyaki. I
do not explain it in detail here, but it is one interesting point of Laos that the culture of
various countries mixes.
By the way, as a result of the interview with farmers, I know one reason they cultivate
coffee. That is it can be sold higher price as other crops, and helps their life. They cannot
afford to buy artificial manure and a pesticide for the present conditions,
And it is usual to grow coffee in close form naturally in Laos. Fortunately or not, it is a
so valuable fact, but a question was left in this whether they understand it. Also, it is
problem that the price of typica is low unexpectedly. Typica takes time off the cultivation
than catimor or kinds of robsta that is the mainstream of coffee in Laos. Even in this
regard is not considered sufficiently, because it is estimated to a factor that does not
increase the purchase price that the quality of typica is not reached high levels stable, I
think there is room for improvement.
At the mention of fair trade, most farmers think trading with JCFC is helpful to secure
their living, however, dealing with a middleman is also the advantage of them. They have
a trust relationship, so it is committed that a certain amount of their products is
purchased and can have cash income when they trade. According to typical books about
fair trade, you tend to understand that a broker exploits farmers without knowledge of
marketing, but I interviewed them and knew that it is not necessarily true. Commerce
it is needed, I think, to reconcile fair trade and commerce with a middleman.
That is what I saw in Laos. Writing this report, I reconfirmed the importance of going
and seeing what happens. I would like to aim at telling the real point of Laos and Laotian
coffee with my experience. In the future, I hope that people naturally trade products at
the fair price without the system of fair trade, and I strive to be a capable person who
can realize such society.
2. Jun Watanabe
Reconstruction and Reinforcement of Experience after Second Visit
The second visit and research in Laos offered an opportunity to deepen knowledge that
acquired last time. Through selling of Lao fair trade (FT) coffee in Japan, there was a
sort of expectation of real pride of farmers that they were producing FT coffee in last
visit. However, after going through several research in some villages, it turned out that
coffee farming is not necessary all about of their lives, but just a part of their lives.
Considering the experience of last time, concentration to figure out the overall lifestyle
of coffee farmers was a purpose of this visit. It finally made it possible to get information,
which cannot be found without communication locals. Thus, this visit tried to examine
problems of the whole life in the region and perception of FT by producers.
Not only problems of FT and coffee producing, but also that of life in there
In conclusion, after second, visit further understanding of the environment surrounding
producers was established. Still, there remains several problems for lives of farmers,
coffee farming expected. It is also important to focus on these issues as well. Also, the
difference of way to recognize FT was revealed through researchers in three villages.
Same as like first visit, more findings can be gained by way of watching the situation
with one’s own eyes and talking people face to face rather than books. Now, a
commitment to deliver these findings to consumers is necessary.
3. Risa Sakagami
“What is Fairtrade?”
“What is Fairtrade?” Since I have joined “Dripro”, the question is getting bigger.
“Fair trade is to sell products at the appropriate price, not unreasonable price.” “It
improves dangerous labor circumstance.” I thought that Fairtrade was the excellent
system. But I noticed that I didn’t know actual conditions of Fairtrade. “Is our action
suitable for the coffee producer?” I asked myself. So, I wanted to see the lives of coffee
farmers and decided to go to Lao.
After I had visited three villages producing coffee beans, I noticed that my image was
different from fact. Firstly, it is about recognition of Fairtrade. I thought farmers have
the appreciation for Fairtrade. While we were talking with farmers, they didn’t say the
word “Fair trade." They mentioned about not the system, but features of Fairtrade. For
example, they said, “I’m pleased that I can sell coffee beans at the higher price.” “I
appreciate that the organization (JCFC) pays money before harvest.” But sometimes
some farmers didn’t obey rules. Though some farmers got advance payment, they
couldn’t give enough beans. It seemed that they didn’t realize and promise the system
and rules of Fairtrade. JCFC, which is an organization putting coffee farmers together,
pointed out that farmers’ recognition of Fairtrade was little. To continue Fairtrade
system, this problem must be solved quickly.
Secondly, it is about the thought for coffee cultivation. I thought that coffee farmers are
experts, but it’s not true. They didn’t have specialty knowledge. I asked some farmers.
“Why did you start coffee cropping?” Most farmers answered that we can sell coffee beans
at the high price. For people in this area, coffee cultivation is one of the methods of living.
Almost all farmers didn’t use chemical fertilizer and pesticide. It’s good for the
environment, but weeding and fertilizer are not enough. When I saw farms, there are
some weeds. Farmers that are maintained are not so many. At the first time I saw them,
I thought that farmers were lazy, but it’s not such an easy problem. The lack of money
for labor or facilities, problems have happened.
4. Issei Sano
My impression about study tour
To tell the truth, before we went to Laos, I doubted whether the fair trade becomes help
for producers. It is because I had heard that there is a person who dresses beneficence
and exploits it, though the fair trade is good hearing. If the producers confess that the
benefit of the fair trade would not be received actually by them, we thought it became
impossible to continue the activity of Dripro. However, in the village of Laos we were
aware that JCFC paid to the producer by the prepayment and that help them. Still there
are worries about money with producers and a lot of problems remain. But, that only I
could understand that the fair trade helps the producer in Laos became a big harvest for
me who had been dubious for the fair trade. Although this would only be a side of the
fair trade, I was convinced that I can work with confidence as a member of a student
group that promotes the fair trade.
However, I also had regretted in the study tour. It was my limited knowledge. First of
all, knowledge about the fair trade was insufficient overwhelmingly. I was not able to
understand the story of staffs of JCFC because I did not understand the mechanism of
the fair trade. Also, I didn’t have enough knowledge about the name of the coffee bean,
the kind of the coffee bean. Moreover, I should study a lot of things like a Southeast Asian
history, economics, English, and anthropology, etc. Perhaps I will be able to participate
in the study tour again in the coming year, so I want to increase the amount of knowledge
firmly so as not to repeat this failure till then.
In the study tour, I also considered about nationality. The people in Laos were always
smiling, and they took care me a lot. Moreover, they had free character, and I felt that
they spent life with relaxing. Therefore, however, they did what is unbelievable for
Japanese, such as having a drinking spree in others' houses till a late hour, etc. I
reconfirmed humbleness. It was felt that it was correct though it had been heard that
you should leave your country for knowing my country.
What I felt was all the people who were related including JCFC and the producer gently
touched me. Even if we asked them for a long time, or we took them to a lot of places,
they were smiling. It is thought it is very joyous to be able to introduce the product that
such people are involved, and I think that it is a boast.
Finally, I was indebted to a lot of people in study tours. It was a study tour of the first
time for me, too and it troubled people around us. We want to express our gratitude for
the Minoo teacher and Ms. Hiroe and every one of the member of Dripro including.
Thank you.
5. Syouhei Takada
What is the fair trade of fair?
Fair trade is not only deal proper price for some items, and also it is some supports to
improve in primary producer life. It was my conclusion that I thought what Fair trade
was meaning to went to Laos. And it was the biggest aim in this study tour. If I didn’t go
Laos, I never find to my answer for meaning of fair trade. I could get many experiences
in Laos so that I might find to my opinion.
Why am I described above thought of the fair trade? Because I had known that JCFC do
some activities to support the producer. Naturally, JCFC is buying the coffee beans
proper price, also, to giving farming tool, technical support, and payment in advance of
harvest amount. JCFC do payment in advance that the producer can easy buy fertilizer,
which can’t buy until now. I think if many farmers can buy fertilizer, they can increase
their harvest. It is something that feels the purpose that other support step JCFC assure
the improvement of the yield and the improvement of the quality of the products, the
intention that the impression these support measures which JCFC does. The fair trade,
which I thought until before go to Laos, it is just deal proper price to improve in producer
life. But went to Laos as for feeling, it can’t grow in primary producer life that simply
deal appropriate price. I thought that Fare trade is some supports to improve in primary
producer life. But the present situation in Laos, it is 10 percent farmers to understand
exactly JCFC doing activities. Also to almost producer can’t efficient production. I think
that there is a first primary factor of the reason, which Laos coffee farmers can’t improve
in their life, that almost coffee farmers are satisfied extent the present situation life and
it isn’t hope more efficiency production. Also, almost coffee farmers can’t understand
correctly, how to do more energy production for the coffee farm. Almost Laos farmers are
desired more income, but it isn’t carry out to get more revenue action. JCFC has various
supports to improve in producer life, but a few producers who have understood that
meaning of JCFC actions. I think the producer and JCFC has a gap of thought, because
manufacturers life improve difficulty, in spite of JCFC does various supports. I know
JCFC already done effort that many producers
Known JCFC various supports. But JCFC keep doing more effort to known more
producers. If many farmers can understand for JCFC activities, it can improve their life.
It is important to producer and buyer relation very close and there cooperate for fair
trade.
I think JCFC and farmers already made confidence relationship. Because Mr.son pu who
is the member of JCFC, he has seven standers for fair trade. The seven standees are the
quality of decision, the amount of resolution, and price of choice, obey exportation
deadline, follow standard quality, and pay a bonus and consultation on the decision.
Discussion on the decision is not efficient, but it is fair each other. If JCFC keep the
discussion on the deal, farmers can understand JCFC activities, and desire improvement
their life. I think it is the most important thing to want improvement their life for
farmers. So they should understand son pu thought and JCFC activities of meaning. I
think Laos coffee farmers can change their thought for the desire to improve own life at
near future. Because Laos has sound system improve coffee farmer’s life.
If we want to succeed in fair trade, we have to consult dealing opponent. And we have to
make a trust relation each people. Besides we have to try neutral position when you ask
for something.
At last I could realize many things, to go to Laos. If I didn’t Laos, I never understand
important things. We can learn many things to close to Laos’s people life. Perhaps fair
trade too. It means we want to succeed fair trade, so we have to make close relation each
other. I think when you try to understand the opponent, it is the first step for fair trade.
6. Mina Sugawara
What’s the coffee farmer’s interest?
Before I went to Laos, I made no doubt of that intentional production creates fluent
society. Since Broben Hill is suitable soil to coffee cultivation, coffee beans can harvest
infinity. But this opinion was my illusion.
My activity’s purpose to make Laos’s coffee farmers rich. And it’s this activity’s mission
too. So I was enthusiastic about discovering non-efficiency at Laos.
Life of Laos has lots of non-efficiency on the sides with developed country’s thinking. The
first day, I felt the culture shock. I was thinking about the measure of wealth is just
money. All phenomena are managed to data. And human operates homogeneous data,
just then this group move anther stage. I feel the egoism of developed country in my
mind.
The human need to know how to themselves living. Human isn’t a prisoner in the real. I
might not advice how to work with the Laos's people. Nevertheless, I worry about them.
In Japan, I had heard that country’s nature should keep forever. But it’s the other
people’s affairs, right?
People of Laos aren’t satisfied with nowadays income. Parents want to go their children
to school, drink alcohol and the new bike. They aren’t difference us.
Now, I understood Wealth isn’t just money, what I do anything? I thought out. The
activity of this term is only six months. From now on, I want to speak to unconcern people
about Laos’s coffee farmer. I’m thinking about the good side and the problem point, both.
I considerate the most important activity is to tell lots of people who don’t’ know the fair
trade. Originally, Fair trade isn’t cool. This image created by developed country marketer.
7. Saika Tanabe
Study tour in Laos
Laos is the first foreign country for me. It has red fields, blue sky, many
animals that eat greens and lively people. We could have so precious experiences
there, and the lifestyle in Laos was very different from that of in Japan. What was
most interesting is that all houses we visited didn't have wall clocks. They are living
with sun rhythm, so they get up when chickens crow and go to bed when the sunset
on the horizon. It's very natural and comfortable for human beings, and I gradually
stopped checking my cellphone though I often did in Japan.
In harvest season, all family go to their coffee farms and pick berries as much as
they can. The work is so hard that even older people help them. On the other hand,
they don't work that hard and just sing and dance in rain season. They like singing
songs and dancing. I was surprised that they have the custom of karaoke there.
When we stayed with one family, they welcomed us and drank much and continued
to sing even though the landlord had already gone to bed. They told us it was normal
in the rural area. When men sang Lao traditional songs, we tried to dance with them,
and mothers taught us. Little by little, we remembered the moves, so we felt as if we
were Lao people. At last, we were one with their music, dance and themselves.
One of the biggest problems is bad health status. All houses we visited didn't
have water closets even though they already have TV and karaoke sets. The
government has told them to install clean toilet and bathroom, but local people didn't
care about them. I wondered why they didn't locate those vital things instead of
amusement products. There must be many diseases they can prevent and even avoid
dying. It's one of the most serious social problems in Laos. Then, I finally noticed
that they don't have the idea of better health status because most adults didn't go to
school, so they don’t know the importance of improving health status. They, Laos,
are surely poor.
8. Yuki Kishimoto
About my trip.
For the first time, the coffee farm I looked is anywhere in the south of Laos. The
cause to which I participated in this "fair trade drip pack project" begins from my
part-time job I was usually treating many cups of coffee. I worried about coffee the
person of which is engaged in what kind of environment by what kind of person. This
also becomes a reason for participating in this study tour. My purpose is becoming
friendly with many persons of Laos. I think I could consider a "fair trade", "coffee",
and "Laos" because I go to a producing district. I would like to take out dignity to
selling coffee. Although there was no knowledge of Laos, I thought that it could think
without prejudice.
It seems that the time passed slowly while staying in Laos. The scene that is in sight
out of a car during movement had many endless coffee farms and people that are
sitting down outside leisurely. They seem to be fortunate without knowing why. All
people of Laos were warm, were sociable, and welcomed us. Interpreter's people and
a driver cannot be appreciated.
However, I was surprised at the gap in the environment. For example, garbage is
dumped outside, a toilet is dirty and the insect is flying on the foods sold at the
market. This situation is typical for the people of Laos. What can I do for them?
Then, I would like to consider that a trip finishes and I can do it in Japan after this.
Firstly, I tell a Japanese person having experienced in Laos.
Secondly, about studying. I interested in Traditional culture in the world. Since I
would like to have come to learn a religious thing etc. More deeply along with culture
or it, I would like to study individually.
Thirdly, I considered the fair trade in myself. First of all, I was not known well what
a "fair trade" was. I had an only recognition that "fair trade" was good for a producer's
person, before the start of a trip. Unfortunately, I have taken a trip, without studying
anything.
The result of the family income and expenditure survey in Laos,
Although many farmhouses think the increase in efficiency is difficult for the
financial reason, it turned out that they were doing them best. A "fair trade" was one
of the choices that sell coffee for the producer.
That is to say, I think it is "fair trade" to define a fair price so that the present
condition of the area and a producer's needs can be met. We must recognize a "fair
trade" to be one measure made for a manufacturer. It is indispensable for consumers
and a farmer to know a mutual thing, and not only the framework a "fair trade" but
to
Consider an ordinary meaning in the coffee. Therefore, we have to give consumers a
producer's information and have to tell a producer consumers' thing from now on.
This study tour is only the first step for us. From now on, it is important for me how
to spend in the future. We have to act, before these recollections weather.
9. Kazuki Yoshikawa
It was the first time for me to visit Laos. There are problems I saw in Laos. First
about sanitation in Laos, I considered Lao marketplace unclean. There are flies on
meat, bread, foods and so on. I thought that was just gross. Lao people didn’t mind
it. I had heard that in Asia. But I was surprised that I saw and ate the food. Flies
can carry disease-causing bacteria to food. I am afraid that they say that a couple
flies won’t hurt anyone. I suggest that they resolve this problem. Second about a
bathroom, in the farming village I went to, they use the outdoor communal toilet. I
thought it was unsanitary. We Japanese feel inconvenience for using the bathroom.
Neither Lao people do. It is said that Ignorance is blessed. But I suggest that they
solve the problem of what has to be done for using the toilet more sanitary and
comfortable. Why do they resolve the problem? I thought that they were in ignorance
of the most convenient facilities of the bathroom. Of course, they should decide to do
or not when someone tell them the skills to solve that problem.
We visited southern Laos. Instead, I suggest that they should go to Japan, so as to
get to know an unknown aspect. I talk about a Lao man. He visited Japan. He went
astonished that there was the great difference of technology between Japan and Laos.
Among them, he tried to select getting something from Japan. Then he obtained the
knowledge of fertilizer. He is great. Provided that I confront the same condition, I
couldn’t do that. I respect him. They should hope sincerely to change your life.
Otherwise, that won’t change anything truly.
I went to several coffee plantations. Robusta and Catimor coffee seemed strong. By
contrast, Typica coffee seemed so weak. At first, I couldn’t recognize the same species
named Arabica: Typica and Catimor. Coffee farmers told me the differences between
Typica and Catimor. Those differences were the color of leaves and the length of joint
the number of coffee berries borne in the common. So I could distinguish Typica from
Catimor. I was touched that I saw coffee plantations. It was gorgeous. A coffee farmer
gave me a coffee berry and said try to eat it. It was very sweet like a cherry. I ate
another one in another plantation. Then, the taste was entirely different. It tasted
of sour. For what reasoned? I expected that there was a difference of taste by chance,
or this resulted from the soil. There were
Broadly two types of coffee farms in my heart. The one was that coffee farms were
well cared, and the shade trees worked. On the contrary, the other was not that. I
stayed with coffee farmers. I was impressed to kill a chicken in homestay. I had never
killed animals to eat by myself. But this occurred commonly in southern Laos. When
my friend cut the main artery of a chicken I hold, I felt the strength of the chicken
surviving. I was glad to have a valuable experience and to make friends with Lao
people.
For me, this study tour was an unforgettable experience. I love Lao people more after
I went to Laos. I enjoyed this travel. I will go to Laos to meet them again. I thank all
people who involved in this tour. My special thanks are due to Professor Arihiro for
guiding this tour.
10. Risa Iwai
See and realize in Laos
It is a first time for me to visit Laos. Before I departed from Japan, I was excited and a
little nervous. Selling our goods, I always say this coffee is Fairtrade coffee made in Laos.
Gradually I started doubting that Fairtrade helps farmers living indeed. This is the
reason to visit Laos. Nine days is too short, but I learn a lot. I found a good and bad point
of coffee farming, and I realized education is critical.
First, coffee farming is better than rice. Coffee farmers said the wholesale price of coffee
was twice higher than rice. Moreover, they told us that prepayment which is JCFC’s
system helps their living. On the other hand, it takes three years to grow coffee seeding.
In brief, farmers cannot get money this period. Coffee farming also takes a lot of funding.
That is to say, another farming and farming needs capital investments. Some farmers
said they would like to buy some machines such as weed cutter, pulling machine
something like that, but they do not have enough money to buy them. I realized it was
so hard to cut grass when I did actually.
Secondly, education is significant. Until I visited Laos, I never think that. In Japan, we
must go to elementary school, and junior high school and most people go to the most
senior school such as high school, college and so on. It is right for us to take education.
In Laos, however, the government says you go to elementary school recently, but many
people do not go the higher school. The reason is various. If you would like to do
something new, you will search the way what you want. However, if you do not know the
way searching, you may not do anything. At the point of hygiene, I might also say the
same things. We usually take a shower and use a flush toilet, but people in Laos do not
use these. I was surprised by a few years ago some home did not have a bathroom.
Moreover, I realized the lack of infrastructure. At first, I was surprised. When it was
rainy day, the road’s condition is worse than usual. I was shocked very much in the car.
When we interviewed, they
Did not look anything such as paper and note. They answered depending on their
memory, and they did not record anything. Then it is difficult to listen to the correct
number or amounts. JCFC’s leaders said understanding depends on each farmer.
Therefore, quality of coffee beans is also different. This is serious problems.
Finally, I can look at not only coffee farming but also living in Laos. I have to convey this
to Japanese customers. After this tour, I search how to convey. This is my problem. I
appreciate everyone who relates to me. Thank you for giving me this chance.
4. Activity Report 2014(Ap.1,2014~Mar.14,2015) Photos
During the Dripro 4th, we sold almost 100kg (Products not Green bean) of
Laos coffee. Compared with Dripro 3rd, we increased our sales almost 30kg
① Sales events
② Study tour
③ Regular meeting
④ 4th year result report meeting
5. Activity Report 2015(Ap.1.2015~Aug.16.2015) Photos
① Sales events
② Regular meeting