PRESS RELEASES PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Trabocca News & Information August 1, 2005 The TRABOCCA project: “Upgrading Organic Coffee Quality in Ethiopia” An exciting new project to improve the production of organic coffee in Ethiopia has just been launched by Trabocca B.V., with the partial financial backing of the Dutch government. Trabocca is an Amsterdam-based firm supplying specialty coffees. Trabocca B.V. is a subsidiary of The Organic Corporation Inc. (TOC), a holding company specializing in the global sourcing of specific agricultural commodities, including fresh fruit and vegetables. TOC operates in the organic market under well-known trading names such as Trading Organic Agriculture and OTC-Holland. Its long experience and backing will play an important part in the project. Trabocca specializes in sourcing African Specialty Coffee from countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia and Malawi. Currently the focus is on Ethiopia and particularly on organic and fair-trade Specialty Coffees. Menno Simons, director of Trabocca, was personally responsible for introducing the first organic coffee certifiers into Ethiopia almost 6 years ago and since then has been personally involved in the selection of specific areas and cooperatives where the finest quality coffees are produced. Trabocca has developed a close and intensive working relationship with the Ethiopian farmers and their organizations and has introduced their coffees to special clients around the world. There is still much to achieve in this exciting part of the market. Trabocca is committed to searching for more and improve sustainable coffee sources. Just as important is supporting and professionalizing the supply chain, so that its clients can enjoy the highest quality coffee and service. It is in this context that the new project was launched and Trabocca is very pleased to announce that the Dutch Government has decided to support it with a substantial grant. Upgrading Organic Coffee Quality in Ethiopia The purpose of the project is in the title. It will last for 2 years with a spin-off period until 2010. It is a unique project that has been made possible by the financial support of the Dutch government and a substantial investment by ourselves. ‘’It is a mission and a dream come true’’, Menno said. The project consists of four separate initiatives all of which contribute to the same goal. 1)We have bought new eco-pulping machines, dry-hullers, graders, drying tables and cupping laboratory equipment. A number of new warehouses will also have to be built. 2)We will hire the services of acknowledged experts such as agronomists (harvesting, organic fertilizing, pruning, nurseries, water and forest management), coffee processing trainers (picking, pulping, drying, storage, nurseries), and cupping trainers (on site). 3)We have made plans to explore unidentified sources and experiment with new packing materials. 4)We will provide training in management, export, banking and documentation. Trabocca is already in full swing for the preparation of the new crop 2005/2006! It would be great if we could expand the client base again this year, in order to be able to introduce more of these beautiful coffees further around the world! The new harvest is expected early this year in Ethiopia. We need to be ready when the first farmers in the highlands come to bring their cherries! TRABOCCA Your Sourcing Company for Specialty Coffee, Conventional, Organic and Fairtrade Trabocca specializes in the sourcing and selling of Organic and non-Organic products from key countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Senegal, Indonesia and the Dominican Republic. We deal only in the highest quality products and will be focussing mainly on Coffee, Spices, Hibiscus and Tea. Of course we also have possibilities for other products. www.trabocca.com Press contact: Menno Simons Trabocca b.v. Prins Hendrikkade 14 1012 TL, Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel:  +31-204074433 Fax: +31-204972100 menno@trabocca.com © Trabocca B.V.