Papua New Guinea Allows Small Growers Direct Coffee Export

Papua New Guinea’s coffee sector, long dominated by a handful of large exporters, has taken a major step toward fairness and transparency. For years, small-scale coffee farmers—numbering around 2.5 million—have sold their beans through centralized intermediaries, often seeing only a fraction of the final export price. That’s set to change.

As of May 2024, the Papua New Guinean government has officially permitted smallholder coffee growers to export their beans directly to international buyers. The agriculture ministry aims to issue export licenses to every coffee-growing region by October 2024.

Why This Change Matters to Coffee Farmers

The reforms, announced by Agriculture and Livestock Minister Tommy Tomscoll, are designed to increase returns for smallholders, who make up the vast majority of the country’s roughly 2.5 million coffee workers. By cutting out layers of middlemen, producers can secure better prices and retain more value from their labor. The government also plans to provide training to help farmers navigate export logistics and international trade requirements.

A Brief History of Coffee in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s coffee story began in 1926–27, when seeds from Jamaica were introduced to the country. Since then, coffee has grown into the nation’s second-largest agricultural export, after palm oil. The crop is cultivated across approximately 87,000 hectares, with farming concentrated in highland regions where elevation, climate, and traditional methods create ideal conditions for quality production.

What Makes PNG Coffee Unique

Papua New Guinea grows mostly Typica coffee, originally brought from Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains. The island’s volcanic soils, high altitudes (1,200–2,500 meters), and shaded, organic growing practices contribute to a cup profile that’s distinct from other Southeast Asian coffees. Rather than the earthy, spicy notes typical of Indonesian beans, PNG coffees often exhibit bright acidity, fruity and floral aromas, and nutty undertones—qualities that align more closely with high-quality Latin American coffees. These traits, combined with relatively accessible pricing, make PNG coffee especially appealing to specialty roasters and coffee enthusiasts exploring beyond the usual origins.

How the New Export Policy Works

Previously, nearly all coffee exported from Papua New Guinea passed through a small number of licensed traders. Under the new policy:

• Smallholder farmers can apply for and receive direct export licenses.
• All coffee-growing districts must have export licensing access by October 2024.
• The government will offer training programs to prepare farmers for the export process.

This move is expected to simplify the supply chain, improve price transparency, and empower farmers to engage directly with global buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Papua New Guinea start growing coffee?

Papua New Guinea began cultivating coffee in 1926–27, when coffee seeds from Jamaica were introduced to the country.

How many coffee farmers are there in Papua New Guinea?

There are approximately 2.5 million people involved in coffee farming across the country.

What is the size of coffee-growing land in Papua New Guinea?

Coffee is grown on about 87,000 hectares of land in Papua New Guinea.

What variety of coffee is mainly grown in Papua New Guinea?

The dominant coffee variety is Typica, originally brought from Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

What are the typical altitude ranges for coffee farms in Papua New Guinea?

Coffee in Papua New Guinea is grown at elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 meters.

What changes has the Papua New Guinean government made to coffee exports?

Smallholder coffee growers can now export directly without going through large intermediaries, and the government will issue export licenses to all coffee regions by October 2024, along with training support.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Papua New Guinea

For a true taste of Papua New Guinea’s highland coffee, try FrontStreet’s Heaven Bird. Sourced from the Sigri Estate in Western Highlands, this washed coffee is processed with pure spring water and sun-dried on raised beds. It features notes of toast, nuts, and a unique spicy sweetness with bright acidity—similar to many South American coffees. FrontStreet’s Heaven Bird is medium-roasted to highlight its balanced profile, making it an excellent entry point for exploring PNG’s distinctive cup character. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.