Organic Oromian Coffee

To the worker-owners of Equal Exchange cooperative,

We, the undersigned, are requesting that you change the name of your "Organic Ethiopian" to "Organic Oromian" including the attached map detailing the regions of Oromia on your marketing materials.

Oromia, while not an actual country, has defined regions and is recognized by the United Nations Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organizations.  The Oromo people make up a significant percentage of Ethiopia's population. A majority of the country's agricultural exports (primarily coffee) and other natural resources are located within the regions that make up Oromia. Kafa and Limmu, both located within Oromia, are considered to be the places where coffee originated. The Oromo people also have a rich cultural, political and social system called the Gadaa system. This long-standing tradition is rooted in principles of democracy and equality; values which are also the foundations of fair trade.

Due to the colonization of Oromia over 100 years ago, the nation and its people have been silenced, disempowered, and dehumanized, resulting in misinformation about the Oromo people. Also, the free market economy has only exaggerated the land ownership and poverty issues affecting this primarily agrarian society. Even though the struggle goes on for representation and a free Oromia, the culture, language and history of Oromo people continue to be forgotten and largely unnoticed by the general public. We can begin to reverse these negative trends, with the help of Equal Exchange.

While the fair trade practices of Equal Exchange have made great economic impacts on the lives of Oromo farmers, there is more we can do to help. "Ethiopian coffee" is produced by Oromo farmers. So, changing the name of your coffee would help consumers gain a deeper understanding of the people who grow their coffee. Also, by giving an identity to Oromia, you will be giving a voice and dignity back to the farmers of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU). Because Equal Exchange has been a leader in the fair trade movement for over 20 years, the name change also has the potential to introduce the ideas of cooperatives, sustainable agriculture and fair trade relationships to the vast Oromo and East African community within Minnesota, and the United States in general.

Through your leadership in this endeavor you will be acting in solidarity with the farmers of OCFCU and over 15,000 Oromo citizens in Minnesota alone. Changing the name of your coffee has the potential to educate the public about Oromia and the Oromo community, and perhaps change the way other coffee companies label their product.

We thank you for your time and consideration on this matter,