Ministry of Agriculture ratifies the National Federation of Coffee Growers as a representative entity of the sector

The Colombian Ministry of Agriculture has officially recognized the National Coffee Federation (Federación Nacional de Cafeteros, or FNC) as the representative entity of the coffee sector following a technical study confirming its compliance with national representativeness and democratic internal functioning standards. This recognition allows the FNC to continue managing parafiscal resources allocated to the coffee subsector, which includes funds collected from producers and used for various initiatives aimed at stabilizing prices and supporting the industry. The decision was based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Directorate of Agricultural and Forestry Chains within the Ministry. The assessment concluded that the FNC is the only gremial organization representing coffee producers nationwide and possesses the necessary technical, financial, institutional, and experiential capabilities to manage the National Coffee Fund (Fondo Nacional del Café). The study emphasized that the federation demonstrated these qualifications through documented evidence and territorial validation processes. The agreement between the government and the FNC extends the administration of the National Coffee Fund for five additional months. This extension ensures continuity in the management of critical programs designed to support coffee producers during periods of market instability. According to the official documentation, the FNC has consistently met legal criteria regarding gremial representation and democratic operations, making it eligible to oversee these vital resources. Germán Bahamón Jaramillo, the general manager of the FNC, expressed gratitude toward the Ministry for its support and the rigorous verification process carried out in accordance with oversight responsibilities over parafiscal funds. In a statement shared via his account on X, he highlighted that the study affirms the national representativeness of the coffee sector's institution and underscores the strength of its internal structure. He also noted that the federation will take the recommendations seriously and continue working to enhance participation, inclusion, and representativeness within the coffee industry’s institutional framework. Among the key findings of the study, the Ministry acknowledged the FNC's proven experience in administering parafiscal resources and executing projects related to the coffee subsector. It also confirmed that the entity meets all legal requirements for evaluating gremial representativeness and democratic functionality. However, the report included several recommendations aimed at improving the federation's outreach and inclusivity. These include increasing the involvement of women, young people, and ethnic communities, promoting generational renewal within leadership roles, and expanding the registration of coffee producers in the National Coffee Information System (Sistema de Información Cafetera, or SICA). The recognition of the FNC as the sole representative body of the coffee sector marks a significant milestone in ensuring the effective use of public funds designated for this crucial agricultural industry. By extending the administration period, both the government and the federation aim to maintain stability and support for coffee producers amid ongoing challenges such as fluctuating global prices and environmental pressures. This decision reflects a broader effort by the Colombian government to strengthen governance structures within key agricultural sectors while ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The continued collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the FNC is expected to lead to more inclusive policies and improved outcomes for coffee producers across the country. Future steps may involve implementing the recommended improvements identified in the study, including enhancing diversity in leadership and expanding access to information systems that facilitate better resource allocation and monitoring.