Can a small farm from Mindanao bring Filipino coffee to the global stage?
In the heart of Agusan del Norte, one woman’s determination is proving that it can. Nissen Coffee Farm, founded by Rojean E. Jensen in 2023, is redefining what it means to combine business, sustainability, and community empowerment. What began as a rural dream in Sitio Calipayan, Barangay Bangayan, has now become a global movement that connects Filipino farmers to European coffee lovers.
Brewing a Vision for World-Class Filipino Coffee
Rojean Jensen, a passionate coffee advocate and entrepreneur with a background in business and agriculture, envisioned a farm that could produce world-class coffee while uplifting her hometown community. On a 6.6-hectare property in Agusan del Norte, she cultivated Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa beans — each carefully processed to meet international standards.
Her mission was never just about producing great coffee. It was about showing the world that the Philippines can compete globally through sustainable coffee farming and community-driven craftsmanship.
Empowering Communities Through Coffee
What makes Nissen Coffee Farm truly remarkable is its impact on local lives.
Before Jensen’s project, residents of Sitio Calipayan were limited to seasonal or traditional farm labor. Today, they are skilled coffee processors, roasters, and quality handlers, earning stable income and professional pride.
Through continuous training and mentorship, the farm ensures that every stage of production — from planting to packaging — reflects both technical craftsmanship and community pride. Jensen’s leadership has transformed her farm into a model for inclusive and sustainable agribusiness in the Philippines.
From Mindanao to Europe: The Rise of Nissen Coffee
Nissen Coffee’s reach now extends far beyond Agusan del Norte.
In Rodekro, Denmark, Jensen established a micro coffee roastery that roasts beans directly sourced from her farm and from partner producers across Benguet, Batangas, and neighboring Asian regions.
This direct-trade and sustainable model promotes transparency and allows European consumers to experience the authentic taste of Asian coffee at its source. It’s also helping put Philippine coffee on the global map.
“We started with a micro roastery here in Denmark because I want to make Philippine coffee recognized in Europe,” Jensen shared in an interview.
“We recently received soft capital support from Denmark, which will help us expand operations and strengthen our mission to promote Philippine coffee and empower our local farmers.”
Supporting Local Producers and Partnerships
Beyond her own success, Jensen actively supports other local farmer cooperatives, including the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association, Inc. (CAWFAI) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. By introducing their beans to global markets, she’s helping build a unified identity for Agusan del Norte as a source of high-quality, sustainable Philippine coffee.
Her partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program) further strengthened her strategic and operational skills. Her Business Improvement Plan (BIP) — rated “excellent” — stands as proof of her commitment to innovation, quality, and the advancement of Filipino coffee entrepreneurship.
A Cup of Empowerment and Global Connection
Today, Nissen Coffee Farm continues to grow both in purpose and reach — bridging communities from Mindanao to Europe and empowering farmers through education and sustainable livelihoods.
Every cup brewed from Nissen Coffee tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and pride — proof that world-class quality can emerge from small communities when guided by education, compassion, and a vision for change.
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