Two international organizations are working to improve agricultural productivity in Timor-Leste through a collaborative program that brings innovative techniques to Timor-Leste's farmers. The University of Hawaii (UHA) and the US-based National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) have joined forces to establish tree seedling production, develop improved farming practices, and provide research and extension training on sustainable farming practices for workers and farmers.

NCBA supports Cooperativa Cafe Timor (CCT), Timor-Leste's largest cooperative organization and producer of coffee. CCT is also involved in expanding vanilla production and improving cattle-raising skills. It has a membership of more than 20,000 farm families. To support its agricultural activities, CCT runs a seedling nursery in Dili that can produce up to a million seedlings each year. Seedlings include shade trees for coffee, host trees for vanilla vines, and fodder trees for cattle.

UHA has been working in agroforestry, watershed management, and land use across Timor-Leste. Its team specializes in research into the tree species most suited to the country's climate and topography and the needs of its farmers. It is also experienced in training extension workers and farmers in improved techniques and management. Based on its research and results from test plots, UHA will supply tree seeds and technical assistance to CCT. Once the seedlings are ready to be planted, CCT will use its wide-reaching distribution network and membership database to deliver the trees and the techniques to farmers across the country.

UHA and NCBA are implementing partners in USAID's economic growth program. UHA builds skills through alliances with institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and the National University of Timor-Leste. It also conducts research and provides training to farmers and agricultural communities. Through its management support of CCT, NCBA helps the organization increase coffee production and exports, introduce new agricultural products, such as vanilla, and expand its small business training activities and network of primary health care clinics. These activities help improve Timor-Leste's agricultural base, increase its high-value exports, boost economic activity, and generate income for its farm families.