Edo Zollo

"A good Dollar for a good Bean"
Photography
A2 

My journey began with an invitation from a village chief in Kainantu in the Eastern-Highlands Province.
This town was bustling with hundreds of people who were brought together for the coffee season. He drove me to
visit his plantation that he took in a rundown state. He did split his land into 20 lots for local villagers. The agreement
was that in exchange for growing good quality coffee, they would get a premium price.
Fertilisers and pesticides are not used, as they are not affordable. Although farms do not hold any official ‘organic’
certification, it is clear that their farming practice in this pollution free environment is 100% organic.
Good quality coffee has been difficult to source on a consistent basis. This inconsistency comes about when
middlemen are involved in the coffee export. Not only price but also quality becomes distorted due to the many
intermediaries. Unfortunately, farmers who require money for their basic needs end up being pushed down in price
by as much as 50% by these middlemen.
They were truly inspirational. They have shown me that although they are yet to establish basic good health and
education, they are looking forward to a change. This desire for transformation is driven by their passion for growing
coffee. They are taking their future into their own hands. This can only be done if they are paid a
‘good dollar’ for a ‘good bean’.

Changes can only occur if we incorporate ethical values and social responsibility into the buying process. Being
ethical is about being kind and fair to the coffee growers.