The founding of the Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC) in 1927 stands as a pivotal moment in Colombian coffee history, marking the collective efforts of Colombian coffee growers to advocate for their rights and improve the quality of life for coffee-producing families. Each municipality elects its own representative to voice the concerns of the local community, making the FNC one of the largest agricultural NGOs globally.
The marketing division of the FNC is responsible for promoting not only international consumption of Colombian coffee but also, more recently, domestic consumption of specialty-grade Colombian coffees. The iconic Juan Valdez character, created in the 1950s, epitomizes the FNC’s outward-facing advertising efforts, while the proliferation of Juan Valdez cafes within Colombia further reinforces the organization’s mission to stimulate domestic coffee consumption.
Furthermore, the FNC guarantees a minimum purchase price for all coffee produced in Colombia, providing farmers with a degree of financial security. Farmers have the option to sell their coffee to private buyers or tap into specialty markets, or they can sell their coffee to the FNC and receive a stable, albeit somewhat standardized, price throughout the year, influenced by the global commodities market. While this system aims to alleviate market pressures and ensure steady income for the coffee sector, it faces criticism for potentially discouraging the development of super-specialty and microlots.
The scientific arm of the FNC, Cenicafé, focuses on research, development, dissemination, and support across the country. A comprehensive extension service, employing over 1,500 field workers, engages with farmers on various aspects of coffee farming, including soil management, processing techniques, variety selection, disease prevention and treatment, and other agricultural practices. A tax on all coffee exports funds these initiatives, along with other provisions and protections offered by the FNC, irrespective of a producer’s utilization of FNC services, marketplace, or programs.