PRESS RELEASE – AUGUST 2011

Eastern African Fine Coffees Association (EAFCA) Secretariat – Kampala, Uganda

EAFCA-CQI HOSTS 2 REGIONAL TRAININGS FOR AFRICA The Eastern African Fine Coffees Association in partnership with the Coffee Quality Institute would like to announce the completion of two quality based trainings; the first regional Robusta workshop in Kampala Uganda and the first regional Q-Instructor Workshop in Nairobi Kenya.

REGIONAL ROBUSTA CUPPER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION From the 11th – 16th July, 2011 EAFCA in collaboration with Coffee Quality Institute CQI organized the first regional workshop following the formulation of the Robusta protocols/standards. These protocols were formulated with the expert guidance from the Coffee Quality Institute as a means of differentiating fine Robusta for the specialty market, and will enable Robusta farmers to improve their livelihoods.

EAFCA in its mandate promotes the production and trade of both Arabica and Robusta fine coffees in the continent, and has been key in discussions to identify profile and award the finest Robusta coffees through its quality initiatives over the last few years. Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has played a major role in this development and played host to the Regional R-Graders Certification Workshop from 11th to 16th July 2011 in Kampala, Uganda.

The course was intended to provide an intensive review of the cupping and grading protocols required of a certified “R” (Robusta) Grader combined with a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s ability to consistently cup and grade green Robusta coffee leading to a professional certification credential.

The Course drew 16 participants from Gabon, DRC, Togo, Uganda & Tanzania.

Participants at R-Grader Workshop at UCDA Quality Lab - Lugogo

Key Highlights

1. Regional nature- The training covered a total of 5 Robusta producing countries as well as EAFCA secretariat representative Mbula Mutahi. This ensures a wide range of resource persons and is envisioned to have an impact on Robusta grading and therefore quality recognition in the continent

2. Seasoned Trainers – The Executive Director of Coffee Quality Institute Mr. Ted Lingle and Dr. Manuel Diaz, both world renowned and respected coffee experts delivered the course to the participants.

3. Multiple Languages of Instruction – The training was conducted in both English and French with all materials translated for the participants to ensure clear understanding of the course.

4. The program included an evening where the participants were treated to a Ugandan cultural dinner and performance at Ndeere Cultural centre that helped to relax them after a week of rigorous testing.

Award Ceremony

The training was capped off with an award ceremony at the Serena Hotel where the trainees received participation certificates. The colourful event was sponsored by CQI through the USAID – COMPETE Program and LEAD- Uganda. The guest of honour for the event was the Managing Director of Uganda Coffee Development Authority UCDA Mr. Henry Ngabirano

REGIONAL Q-INSTRUCTOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION The following week in Nairobi Kenya, Eastern African Fine Coffees Association EAFCA in collaboration with Coffee Quality Institute CQI, organized the first regional Q-Instructor workshop from 19th - 22nd July.

The course is an intensive review of the Combination Q Grader Training Course and Exam with emphasis on presentation of course materials, conduct of all test and course administrative requirements. It gave rise to the first batch of 13 Assistant Q- Instructors from 4 African countries. The group who are already certified Q-Graders can now go through the next few steps of becoming fully certified Q-Instructors.

They were drawn from all sectors, Public, Private and NGO / Project organizations. The program was co-sponsored by USAID-COMPETE as well as the participant’s organizations. The Executive Director of Coffee Quality Institute Mr. Ted Lingle and Dr. Manuel Diaz, both world renowned and respected coffee experts assisted by Roukiat Delrue one of CQI assistant trainers delivered the course to the participants.

Award Ceremony On the evening of Friday at the Dorman’s Coffee Shop at The Junction Mall, the awards ceremony was held. All 13 regional participants were awarded Q-Assistant Instructor certificates in a colourful event sponsored by CQI through the USAID – COMPETE Program. The event was attended and Mc’d by the EAFCA Executive Director Mr. Samuel Kamau. Other key guests the event were main sponsor Steve Walls from USAID-COMPETE Program whose team made a trade finance presentation; a delegation from the European Union and several members of EAFCA from Kenya Chapter. APPRECIATION The Eastern Africa Fine Coffees Association would like to thank the CQI Consultancy Team, USAID Lead, COMPETE, UCDA, C Dorman Kenya & all the organizations and participants that attended for making the regional trainings a resounding success! Asante Sana!!!!!