Introduction to the 4C Association
The 4C Association is an international organization that implements the Common Code for the Coffee Community (4C). Its headquarters is located in Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany.
The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA) is a founding member of the 4C Association and belongs to the group of associate members. After a long period of preparation, the association held its first General Assembly in 2007 under the theme “Bringing 4C Coffee to the Market,” where the first Council was elected. The association is preparing for its second General Assembly on May 27–28, 2009, to elect a new Council.
By March 2009, there were 73 4C units worldwide participating in the assessment of 4C coffee, of which 49 had been granted licenses to produce coffee under the 4C principles, one was in the evaluation process, and 23 were in preparation. Together, these 4C units supplied 8,251,323 bags of coffee (each bag weighing 60 kg) across a total area of 310,159 hectares.
4C Coffee Activities in Vietnam
A dedicated Coffee Working Group, which includes 4C coffee, has been established under the Department of Crop Production of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association serving as a standing member.
During 2007 and 2008, the Working Group, in cooperation with provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and with technical and financial support from the 4C Association, organized six training-of-trainers courses on the Common Code for the Coffee Community. These included:
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2 courses in Dak Lak
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2 courses in Lam Dong
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1 course in Son La
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1 course in Quang Tri
A total of 160 trainees participated, consisting of agricultural extension officers, technical staff from the provincial Departments of Agriculture, researchers from scientific institutes, and some farmers.
In 2008, eight entities took part in 4C coffee production, covering an area of 9,032.88 hectares and producing 41,459.94 tons of green coffee beans for export.
Among the new members recognized by the 4C Association since December 2008 is one Vietnamese company: Thai Hoa Group.