“During the harvest season, I get up at four in the morning to pick the red berries that are taken to the processing plant,” Phuperp, 22, told the United Nations.
Phuperp comes from a farming family that grows corn, rice, legumes and pumpkins, but her favorite crop is coffee.
It can be grown without the need to cut down trees, which helps prevent land deforestation. And crucially, at least for Phuperp, it grows best in the shade.
“If I could, I would only harvest coffee because I can work in the shade, out of the bright sun,” she said.
Since 2016, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, has been working to promote alternative livelihoods for local farmers in Houaphanh and other provinces particularly affected by the cultivation of poppy, from which opium is made.
The move to coffee farming has transformed the community of Phuerp. “Opium cultivation left the community in poverty,” she said. “We are building a future with coffee.”
More than a drink
Phuerp brought her coffee, which according to the tasting notes is “floral, apple, chocolate and sweet,” to the House of the United Nations in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where she donated a cup to the UN. Secretary General António Guterres.
“Congratulations,” said António Guterres. Coffee takes a long time to grow, doesn’t it?
UNODC/Laura Gil
UN Secretary General António Guterres (right) meets Laotian coffee farmer Phuerp (left).
Strengthening rural economies
Phuerp is part of the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative, which represents 341 farming households growing 405 hectares of coffee in Houaphanh province.
Vanmai members are now beginning to build a legal, sustainable future in an area where farmers often grew opium, which can be used to produce heroin and other illegal and legal drugs.
Mr Guterres praised the success of the cooperative, which has demonstrated the role coffee can play in strengthening rural economies and tackling global challenges such as poverty and drug trafficking.
New day
“Vanmai, which means ‘new day’ in Laos, reflects the hope and resilience of these communities,” said Soutthida Soukthavone, alternative development expert at UNODC.
The cooperative’s efforts have not only provided sustainable livelihoods for local farmers, but also opened doors to international markets.
With more than 230 tons of green coffee beans exported, the cooperative has secured long-term commercial partnerships, achieved Fairtrade certification and is in the process of transitioning to organic production.
Women who lead the way
The Vanmai Women’s Network was founded in 2021 to increase women’s participation in the coffee sector. The network runs initiatives such as the Vanmai Coffee Cart at the UN House in Vientiane, where the Secretary General and Phuerp shared their coffee moment.
The cart, operated by women from the cooperative, demonstrates their growing role in decision-making, a shift from past practices where women had limited involvement in leadership.
This is where the ‘seed-to-cup’ philosophy comes to life, where the coffee is sold directly to customers, generating income that flows back into the farming communities.
“The Vanmai Coffee Cooperative is more than a company; it is a testament to the power of alternative development,” said Sung Ho Hwang, head of the UNODC office in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
“This coffee tells a story, a story of resilience, partnership and hope. It shows us that, with the right support, communities can enter the legal market and create a better future for themselves and their children,” he added.
“Providing farmers with a legal, profitable crop addresses the root causes of opium cultivation, poverty, isolation and lack of opportunity.”
UNODC’s alternative development initiatives aim to promote legal economic dynamism and inclusive socio-economic development in rural areas in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar, as well as in Afghanistan, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru.
Mr. Guterres finished his cup of coffee next to Phuerp, who, still holding her cup with her weathered farmer’s hands, smiled calmly.
