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At Just Coffee Cooperative, we strive to maintain long term relationships with small scale farming cooperatives throughout Latin America and Africa. Currently, we work with 17 cooperatives in 10 different countries. Below is a list of the producer groups we are currently working with, and a bit of information about the impressive work that is being carried out through their cooperatives. Each of these groups shares a unique history, organization, and diverse range of work, bringing the communities that they represent an alternative model as well as access to resources, information, credit, more sustainable markets, technical assistance, access to better markets, visibility and much more. Many of these groups work with many different products in different capacities, working to diversify their income and land, and are fighting for something more than just coffee. We are honored to be working with each and every one of these groups not only for the high quality coffee that they produce, but also for their drive to bring sustainable development to their communities and the world. All of our partners produce organic coffee, and all of our beans are fairly traded.
In order to secure our coffee supply, Just Coffee works with 23 other roasters located throughout the United States and Canada, making up what is Cooperative Coffees, in order to collectively import high quality, organic, and fair trade coffee beans from around the world.
You can see a map of the growers cooperatives here.
Fondo Paez
Members – 550 Producers (285 certified Organic)
Location – Cauca, Colombia
Elevation – 1300-1900 meters above sea level
Established - 2005
Coffee varieties – Caturra
Diversication – sisal, beans, tropical fruits
Café Naftewesh
The Paez (who also call themselves Nasa, or "the people") is the largest indigenous group in Colombia. Their land is in the Cordillera Central – centered around the mountains of the Cauca departamento (state). Fondo Paez was founded in 1992, with the primary goal of recuperating traditional agricultural knowledge and indigenous culture which had been buried by centuries of conflict and oppression. Paez community leaders teamed up with Fundacion Colombia Nuestra, a Colombian-based non-profit, to start the "Recovering Agricultural Knowledge" program. The main cash crop of this region is still coffee, and, to ensure a stable income for their members, Fondo Paez organized community based coffee cooperatives. They became more organized, and, by 2000, they were selling coffee through the Coffee Federation’s Specialty Coffee program. In 2003, they produced seven containers of coffee, both conventional and organic certified.
They currently process, market, and export their coffee through the Federation, but are completely independent in their internal decision-making process. They are governed democratically and are extraordinarily well organized. They have been recently incorporated as an association in Colombia with its own legal identity.
The organization provides technical assistance for quality control and organic production to its cooperative members. Fondo Paez then works with these primary cooperatives to collect coffee and transport it to a nearby beneficio (coffee mill) to be processed. The cooperative retains ownership of the coffee until it reaches the port. The coffee farmers are equal owners in the organization and receive not only the social benefits provided by Fondo Paez, but also retain a much higher percentage of coffee profits.
Fondo Paez is completely committed to the self-sufficiency of their people and have a holistic approach to farming. This is most evident on their farms. Coffee is only one of many crops that are incorporated into a diverse agro-forestry system. Food crops for their own consumption, feed crops for the farm animals, and nitrogen fixing plants for the soil are given equal importance to their cash crops: coffee, sisal, beans, and different tropical fruits.
The members of Fondo Paez have created a sustainable vision for their indigenous communities. This vision is remarkable in and of itself, but the work and successes of this organization are truly extraordinary when viewed within the context of Colombian politics and globalization. From Spanish conquest centuries ago to the armed conflict raging in their territory for the past 40 years, the Paez people have struggled for their lives, their land, and their right to self-determination.
Location – Cauca, Colombia
Elevation – 1300-1900 meters above sea level
Established - 2005
Coffee varieties – Caturra
Diversication – sisal, beans, tropical fruits
Café Naftewesh
The Paez (who also call themselves Nasa, or "the people") is the largest indigenous group in Colombia. Their land is in the Cordillera Central – centered around the mountains of the Cauca departamento (state). Fondo Paez was founded in 1992, with the primary goal of recuperating traditional agricultural knowledge and indigenous culture which had been buried by centuries of conflict and oppression. Paez community leaders teamed up with Fundacion Colombia Nuestra, a Colombian-based non-profit, to start the "Recovering Agricultural Knowledge" program. The main cash crop of this region is still coffee, and, to ensure a stable income for their members, Fondo Paez organized community based coffee cooperatives. They became more organized, and, by 2000, they were selling coffee through the Coffee Federation’s Specialty Coffee program. In 2003, they produced seven containers of coffee, both conventional and organic certified.
They currently process, market, and export their coffee through the Federation, but are completely independent in their internal decision-making process. They are governed democratically and are extraordinarily well organized. They have been recently incorporated as an association in Colombia with its own legal identity.
The organization provides technical assistance for quality control and organic production to its cooperative members. Fondo Paez then works with these primary cooperatives to collect coffee and transport it to a nearby beneficio (coffee mill) to be processed. The cooperative retains ownership of the coffee until it reaches the port. The coffee farmers are equal owners in the organization and receive not only the social benefits provided by Fondo Paez, but also retain a much higher percentage of coffee profits.
Fondo Paez is completely committed to the self-sufficiency of their people and have a holistic approach to farming. This is most evident on their farms. Coffee is only one of many crops that are incorporated into a diverse agro-forestry system. Food crops for their own consumption, feed crops for the farm animals, and nitrogen fixing plants for the soil are given equal importance to their cash crops: coffee, sisal, beans, and different tropical fruits.
The members of Fondo Paez have created a sustainable vision for their indigenous communities. This vision is remarkable in and of itself, but the work and successes of this organization are truly extraordinary when viewed within the context of Colombian politics and globalization. From Spanish conquest centuries ago to the armed conflict raging in their territory for the past 40 years, the Paez people have struggled for their lives, their land, and their right to self-determination.
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Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
Members – 197 primary cooperatives making up 200,000 farming families
Location – Oromia Region
Established - 1999
Oromia is the region where coffee first comes from and it is by the Oromo people that the usage of coffee as a food started in the beginning of the 5th century. Oromia is approximately located between 3 degree and 15 degree North latitude and 33 degree and 40 degree longitude Oromia is known for its unique native vegetation as well as for being, the center of diversity for many different species. For the Oromo people coffee means ‘life’. The Oromia region of Ethiopia is known as the ‘birthplace of coffee’ and from ancient times the Oromo people have used coffee as food, drink, trade, spiritual nourishment and as a tool for peace-keeping. While only 25% of farmers in the region are members of OCFCU, the union is growing through its success in exporting quality coffee and improving farmers' lives.
The Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) is an exporting cooperative with offices in Addis Ababa and affiliated farmer cooperatives located throughout the coffee growing regions of Oromia/Ethiopia. OCFCU was established in 1999 to facilitate the direct exportation of coffee produced by Oromia's small farmers and assist in marketing, processing, and credit issues. OCFCU is a well organized umbrella organization responsible for processing, marketing, and commercializing coffee for its members. OCFCU works exclusively in Oromia Regional State, which accounts for 65 percent of the country’s total coffee growing land.
Using revenue derived from the Fair Trade premiums, they have greatly improved local infrastructure in several of the cooperatives: they've constructed well built primary schools, health clinics, installed community wells, and improved roads with bridge building. Projects aimed at providing clean water supply and stable electricity continue to be undertaken. OCFCU now has a cupping lab located at its office and have massive central facility for technical, financial, administrative, and laboratory offices as well as final processing and export preparation for all members. Oromia coffee farmers cooperative Union have recently created its own members bank which is one of the greatest benefits to members for the much needed pre-harvest financing. They also provide their farmers with insurance options to cover coffee against loss. All the coffee in Oromia region is Coffee Arabica, and is home to the famous Yirgacheffee as well as Harar coffees.
Yirgacheffe is one of the world’s best “washed” coffees, from Ethiopia’s southern highlands which Oromia and southern region nations and nationalities share the name of coffee together. The coffee is lighter bodied, complex and clean tasting with good acidity. The coffee’s lemon citrus and floral notes are best married to a medium roast and this makes for a delightful daytime cup.
Location – Oromia Region
Established - 1999
Oromia is the region where coffee first comes from and it is by the Oromo people that the usage of coffee as a food started in the beginning of the 5th century. Oromia is approximately located between 3 degree and 15 degree North latitude and 33 degree and 40 degree longitude Oromia is known for its unique native vegetation as well as for being, the center of diversity for many different species. For the Oromo people coffee means ‘life’. The Oromia region of Ethiopia is known as the ‘birthplace of coffee’ and from ancient times the Oromo people have used coffee as food, drink, trade, spiritual nourishment and as a tool for peace-keeping. While only 25% of farmers in the region are members of OCFCU, the union is growing through its success in exporting quality coffee and improving farmers' lives.
The Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) is an exporting cooperative with offices in Addis Ababa and affiliated farmer cooperatives located throughout the coffee growing regions of Oromia/Ethiopia. OCFCU was established in 1999 to facilitate the direct exportation of coffee produced by Oromia's small farmers and assist in marketing, processing, and credit issues. OCFCU is a well organized umbrella organization responsible for processing, marketing, and commercializing coffee for its members. OCFCU works exclusively in Oromia Regional State, which accounts for 65 percent of the country’s total coffee growing land.
Using revenue derived from the Fair Trade premiums, they have greatly improved local infrastructure in several of the cooperatives: they've constructed well built primary schools, health clinics, installed community wells, and improved roads with bridge building. Projects aimed at providing clean water supply and stable electricity continue to be undertaken. OCFCU now has a cupping lab located at its office and have massive central facility for technical, financial, administrative, and laboratory offices as well as final processing and export preparation for all members. Oromia coffee farmers cooperative Union have recently created its own members bank which is one of the greatest benefits to members for the much needed pre-harvest financing. They also provide their farmers with insurance options to cover coffee against loss. All the coffee in Oromia region is Coffee Arabica, and is home to the famous Yirgacheffee as well as Harar coffees.
Yirgacheffe is one of the world’s best “washed” coffees, from Ethiopia’s southern highlands which Oromia and southern region nations and nationalities share the name of coffee together. The coffee is lighter bodied, complex and clean tasting with good acidity. The coffee’s lemon citrus and floral notes are best married to a medium roast and this makes for a delightful daytime cup.
Harar is a typical “natural” coffee from the eastern part of Oromia, Ethiopia. Harar, Sun drying coffee in its fruit cherry lends the coffee fantastically winey, gamey and blueberry aromas with a full bodied, smooth, chocolaty taste.
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Pangoa grower cooperative
Members – 600 producers
Location – Pangoa - Junin (250 km East of Lima in Central Amazon Region)
Elevation – 900-1600 meters above sea level
Established - 1977
Coffee varieties - Caturra, Typica, Bourbon, Pache
Diversification – cacao, honey, fruit trees, roasted coffee, ecotourism
Average farm size - 5 Hectares per member average
Tucked away in the central Amazon region of Peru, just east of the Andean mountain range that runs through the center of the country, CAC Pangoa (Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa) has been serving its members since 1977. The coop has experienced a colorful history of good and hard times. It was founded by 50 farmers from a coop in neighboring city, Satipo and grew to nearly 1700 members at its peak (in the early 1980s). With 3% of every sale, Pangoa was able to build most of the infrastructure that it uses to this day. During the period that's known as El Terrorismo ("the terrorism") when the Shining Path violently swept through what had up to the late '80s the peaceful, isolated, rural areas of Peru, killing thousands of innocent people and carrying out a determined campaign of instilling paralyzing fear. CAC Pangoa lost hundreds of farmers who fled to cities to escape the terror. Since then, they have regained membership and currently serve approximately 600 members.
CAC Pangoa began encouraging its members to switch to organics through a formalized program of training and documenting practices according to OCIA (international organic certifier) standards. In 2002, they got their first certification; today, about 50% of their members are either in transition or already certified organic. Dutch NGO Green Development Fund sponsored the coop to send current manager Esperanza Dionisio and the president to go to the SCAA in the US in 2003 where they met former (and founding) Coop Coffees member Dean from Dean's Beans. After a visit to the coop, Dean reported back to Coop Coffees that they would make an excellent producer partner and since 2003, Pangoa has put forth strong efforts to provide Coop Coffees with high quality, consistent fair trade organic coffee.
The coop is involved in the lives of its members beyond the purchasing and selling of their coffee. From promoting education to gender equality to better quality of life, Pangoa provides an exemplary model of fair trade. The Women's Development Committee (Comite de Desarrollo de la Mujer) works to benefit the female members, wives, and daughters. They organize medical check-ups for all women over 30 years old for prevention and early detection of several diseases. The committee is an integral part of the cooperative and strengthen it by forming new leaders and members with a new vision of development that includes and appreciates the female voice.
When the coop was first certified fair trade, it established two programs that continue serving members today: 1) the Educational Fund which allows members to borrow up to $2000 (US) to pay for their children's university fees and 2) the Health Services Fund offers members interest-free loans of up to $600 (US) to cover any medical attention they might need. In 2008, Pangoa expanded its fair trade premium project list to include 5 more that cover tree renovation, improving their members' living standards, developing individual wet processing plants and drying stations, and covering the funerary costs of any members. With these extra funding projects, Pangoa hopes to better and more broadly meet the needs of its members.
In addition to coffee, Pangoa has promoted economic diversification through cocoa production in lower elevations and honey cultivation. They export a couple containers of cacao per year and are working on improving quality and expanding their market. A roasted coffee project is fully underway with the objective of establishing a secondary source of income as well as develop a domestic appreciation for high quality (exportable) coffee to be consumed internally. In 2009, they began plans to develop a local ecotourism project to supplement incomes from coffee production.
Location – Pangoa - Junin (250 km East of Lima in Central Amazon Region)
Elevation – 900-1600 meters above sea level
Established - 1977
Coffee varieties - Caturra, Typica, Bourbon, Pache
Diversification – cacao, honey, fruit trees, roasted coffee, ecotourism
Average farm size - 5 Hectares per member average
Tucked away in the central Amazon region of Peru, just east of the Andean mountain range that runs through the center of the country, CAC Pangoa (Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa) has been serving its members since 1977. The coop has experienced a colorful history of good and hard times. It was founded by 50 farmers from a coop in neighboring city, Satipo and grew to nearly 1700 members at its peak (in the early 1980s). With 3% of every sale, Pangoa was able to build most of the infrastructure that it uses to this day. During the period that's known as El Terrorismo ("the terrorism") when the Shining Path violently swept through what had up to the late '80s the peaceful, isolated, rural areas of Peru, killing thousands of innocent people and carrying out a determined campaign of instilling paralyzing fear. CAC Pangoa lost hundreds of farmers who fled to cities to escape the terror. Since then, they have regained membership and currently serve approximately 600 members.
CAC Pangoa began encouraging its members to switch to organics through a formalized program of training and documenting practices according to OCIA (international organic certifier) standards. In 2002, they got their first certification; today, about 50% of their members are either in transition or already certified organic. Dutch NGO Green Development Fund sponsored the coop to send current manager Esperanza Dionisio and the president to go to the SCAA in the US in 2003 where they met former (and founding) Coop Coffees member Dean from Dean's Beans. After a visit to the coop, Dean reported back to Coop Coffees that they would make an excellent producer partner and since 2003, Pangoa has put forth strong efforts to provide Coop Coffees with high quality, consistent fair trade organic coffee.
The coop is involved in the lives of its members beyond the purchasing and selling of their coffee. From promoting education to gender equality to better quality of life, Pangoa provides an exemplary model of fair trade. The Women's Development Committee (Comite de Desarrollo de la Mujer) works to benefit the female members, wives, and daughters. They organize medical check-ups for all women over 30 years old for prevention and early detection of several diseases. The committee is an integral part of the cooperative and strengthen it by forming new leaders and members with a new vision of development that includes and appreciates the female voice.
When the coop was first certified fair trade, it established two programs that continue serving members today: 1) the Educational Fund which allows members to borrow up to $2000 (US) to pay for their children's university fees and 2) the Health Services Fund offers members interest-free loans of up to $600 (US) to cover any medical attention they might need. In 2008, Pangoa expanded its fair trade premium project list to include 5 more that cover tree renovation, improving their members' living standards, developing individual wet processing plants and drying stations, and covering the funerary costs of any members. With these extra funding projects, Pangoa hopes to better and more broadly meet the needs of its members.
In addition to coffee, Pangoa has promoted economic diversification through cocoa production in lower elevations and honey cultivation. They export a couple containers of cacao per year and are working on improving quality and expanding their market. A roasted coffee project is fully underway with the objective of establishing a secondary source of income as well as develop a domestic appreciation for high quality (exportable) coffee to be consumed internally. In 2009, they began plans to develop a local ecotourism project to supplement incomes from coffee production.
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Unión de Productores Maya Vinic
Members – 700 families located in 36 highland communities
Location – municipalities of Chenalhó, Pantelhó and Chalchihuitán, in Chiapas, Mexico
Elevation – 900 and 1400 meters above sea level
Established - 1999
Coffee varieties – Arabica coffees, including varieties such as Typica, Caturra, and Mundo Novo
Diversification – honey, corn, beans, vegetables, chickens, fruit trees
Inspired by the traditions of their ancestors, Maya Vinic is organized and operates in keeping with a respect of local culture, language, reverence for the Mother Earth and traditional forms of self-government. Maya Vinic is born out the wider civil society "Las Abejas”, an organized response to the prevalent injustice in their communities and in the hopes of promoting positive change and autonomous development by pacific means.
With an incredibly intense history, the plight of their communities came to the public eye in the aftermath of the infamous Acteal Massacre, where 45 men, women and children were killed by paramilitary forces and thousands more displaced from their homes.
The organizational structure of Maya Vinic holds a General Assembly as its maximum authority. An Assembly of Community Delegates works in close conjunction with the Producers’ Board of Directors to accomplish the tasks assigned to the Education, Technical Assistance, Marketing, Administration and local Arbitration and Problem Resolution Committees.
Coffee production is nothing new to the farmers of this region. “Recruited” since the arrival of the plantations in the early 1900s as poorly paid hired hands during the harvest, they learned about production and processing, and the wealth that coffee had made for a fortunate few. Soon, seeds began trickling back to the Highland communities of Chiapas. Farmers eventually were able to organize themselves into producer cooperatives in search of more equitable markets. Cooperative Coffees purchased the first Maya Vinic coffee to be exported under fair trade terms in 2001. This year we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with Maya Vinic.
By continuing to further their local sale of roasted coffee through workshops provided by roasters organized in Cooperative Coffees, Maya Vinic will be opening their first cafe in San Cristobal de las Casas this year. They are also working to promote fair trade, organic honey production, and exporting to the European market.
Location – municipalities of Chenalhó, Pantelhó and Chalchihuitán, in Chiapas, Mexico
Elevation – 900 and 1400 meters above sea level
Established - 1999
Coffee varieties – Arabica coffees, including varieties such as Typica, Caturra, and Mundo Novo
Diversification – honey, corn, beans, vegetables, chickens, fruit trees
Inspired by the traditions of their ancestors, Maya Vinic is organized and operates in keeping with a respect of local culture, language, reverence for the Mother Earth and traditional forms of self-government. Maya Vinic is born out the wider civil society "Las Abejas”, an organized response to the prevalent injustice in their communities and in the hopes of promoting positive change and autonomous development by pacific means.
With an incredibly intense history, the plight of their communities came to the public eye in the aftermath of the infamous Acteal Massacre, where 45 men, women and children were killed by paramilitary forces and thousands more displaced from their homes.
The organizational structure of Maya Vinic holds a General Assembly as its maximum authority. An Assembly of Community Delegates works in close conjunction with the Producers’ Board of Directors to accomplish the tasks assigned to the Education, Technical Assistance, Marketing, Administration and local Arbitration and Problem Resolution Committees.
Coffee production is nothing new to the farmers of this region. “Recruited” since the arrival of the plantations in the early 1900s as poorly paid hired hands during the harvest, they learned about production and processing, and the wealth that coffee had made for a fortunate few. Soon, seeds began trickling back to the Highland communities of Chiapas. Farmers eventually were able to organize themselves into producer cooperatives in search of more equitable markets. Cooperative Coffees purchased the first Maya Vinic coffee to be exported under fair trade terms in 2001. This year we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with Maya Vinic.
By continuing to further their local sale of roasted coffee through workshops provided by roasters organized in Cooperative Coffees, Maya Vinic will be opening their first cafe in San Cristobal de las Casas this year. They are also working to promote fair trade, organic honey production, and exporting to the European market.
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Yachil Xolobal Chulchan
Location - San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Members – 685 members in 5 municipalities-- 1,552 Members in 7 municipalities
Elevation – between 1,000 and 1300 meters
Established - 2001
Yachil Xojobal Chulchan means “New light in the sky” in the native Tzeltal language. Founded in 2001, Yachil groups together indigenous Tzotzil and Tezetal Mayan farmers from 7 different municipalities throughout the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. In 2001, Yachil began to organize its first members with 383 producers from the municipalities of Chilon, Pantelho and San Juan Cancuc. In 2003 Yachil sold its first container to Germany, and in 2004 they sold just over 2 containers to Germany and into the US. They currently are comprised of 1,552 members in seven municipalities, with a future export capacity of some 27 containers (1,080,000 pounds). Rep at Polho Members of this fair trade coffee cooperative have formed their own local Indigenous governments, which focus on community development efforts to promote democracy, equality, and empowerment. Members do not accept government handouts. Over the last decade members of Yachil have suffered repression at the hands of government security forces and the paramilitary. Many members and their families have been forced to flee their communities as internal refugees and they continue to be victims of oppression, intimidation, and even assassination.
Elevation – between 1,000 and 1300 meters
Established - 2001
Yachil Xojobal Chulchan means “New light in the sky” in the native Tzeltal language. Founded in 2001, Yachil groups together indigenous Tzotzil and Tezetal Mayan farmers from 7 different municipalities throughout the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. In 2001, Yachil began to organize its first members with 383 producers from the municipalities of Chilon, Pantelho and San Juan Cancuc. In 2003 Yachil sold its first container to Germany, and in 2004 they sold just over 2 containers to Germany and into the US. They currently are comprised of 1,552 members in seven municipalities, with a future export capacity of some 27 containers (1,080,000 pounds). Rep at Polho Members of this fair trade coffee cooperative have formed their own local Indigenous governments, which focus on community development efforts to promote democracy, equality, and empowerment. Members do not accept government handouts. Over the last decade members of Yachil have suffered repression at the hands of government security forces and the paramilitary. Many members and their families have been forced to flee their communities as internal refugees and they continue to be victims of oppression, intimidation, and even assassination.
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AIPEP
Members – 73 members
Location – Pumiri, Bolivia
Elevation – 1,100-1,400 meters
Established - 2002
Coffee varieties – Tipica
Diversification – fruit trees, cocao
Typical farm size - 7 hectares
AIPEP (Incorporated Association of Ecological Producers of Pumiri) is a farming cooperative located in and around the villages of Pumiri and Calama, approximately 2 hours from the city of Caranavi in the Department of La Paz. Organized in 2002 and comprised of 73 members, the cooperative has the potential to export 6 containers of coffee per year. The average area of cultivation is 7 hectares. All of their coffee is certified organic by IMO Control. AIPEP has a women’s organization, with 7 women members of the cooperative. They are part of FECAFEB’s “Group of 8” and depend on the federation’s support for commercialization and exportation of their coffee.
The fair trade premium collected from coffee sales is put into a fund which is accruing over time, with plans to use it to build a new collection center/office building for AIPEP. Their current building is wooden and in a state of disrepair. There is also a project proposal from the women’s group for a child nutrition program and facilities for training women, with an estimated cost of $19,000. The funds for this project are not slated to come from the FLO premium, but are instead being solicited from coffee buyers. The organic premium from coffee sales is distributed to each producer.
The founding members of AIPEP have worked hard to construct impressive internal systems for excellent organic production and quality control, as well as solid mechanisms for assuring participation and administrative oversite by the members. AIPEP leaders say some 120 other farmers in the surrounding areas are watching their progress at securing markets, and have the potential to multiply their export capacity four-fold.
Location – Pumiri, Bolivia
Elevation – 1,100-1,400 meters
Established - 2002
Coffee varieties – Tipica
Diversification – fruit trees, cocao
Typical farm size - 7 hectares
AIPEP (Incorporated Association of Ecological Producers of Pumiri) is a farming cooperative located in and around the villages of Pumiri and Calama, approximately 2 hours from the city of Caranavi in the Department of La Paz. Organized in 2002 and comprised of 73 members, the cooperative has the potential to export 6 containers of coffee per year. The average area of cultivation is 7 hectares. All of their coffee is certified organic by IMO Control. AIPEP has a women’s organization, with 7 women members of the cooperative. They are part of FECAFEB’s “Group of 8” and depend on the federation’s support for commercialization and exportation of their coffee.
The fair trade premium collected from coffee sales is put into a fund which is accruing over time, with plans to use it to build a new collection center/office building for AIPEP. Their current building is wooden and in a state of disrepair. There is also a project proposal from the women’s group for a child nutrition program and facilities for training women, with an estimated cost of $19,000. The funds for this project are not slated to come from the FLO premium, but are instead being solicited from coffee buyers. The organic premium from coffee sales is distributed to each producer.
The founding members of AIPEP have worked hard to construct impressive internal systems for excellent organic production and quality control, as well as solid mechanisms for assuring participation and administrative oversite by the members. AIPEP leaders say some 120 other farmers in the surrounding areas are watching their progress at securing markets, and have the potential to multiply their export capacity four-fold.
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La FEM
Members – 260 producers (all women)
Location – Esteli, Nicaragua
Established - 1995
Diversification – Corn, Beans, vegetables, hibiscus rose, fruit trees
La Fundacion Entre Mujeres is a well organized all-women’s NGO in northern Nicaragua that promotes ideological, economic, and political empowerment of rural women through projects such as the fight against violence by creating community networks of rural defenders, an education program promoting literacy, primary and secondary education with a focus on gender equality, education in alternative careers connected to sustainable development, the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights and access to health services for women, and promoting a strategy of economic empowerment, prioritizing food sovereignty, diversified and organic production. All projects are carried out under a focus of sustainable economic development for the adults and youth that these programs reach. Through such programs, women from the rural communities are able to participate and be real actors in transforming their own realities, making decisions in the development politics carried out by la FEM.
La FEM began in 1995 when director Diana Martinez began to organize women from rural communities in the north of Nicaragua. The initial focus of the organization was to create an autonomous space for rural women that would challenge the traditional, male-dominated model of rural development and to promote women’s rights. Access to land has always been a key aspect of FEM’s proposal, allowing women to be autonomous and individual subjects of their own development. With that, comes the need to provide adequate access to reproductive resources such as credit, seeds, alternative technologies, infrastructure, and markets. With an overarching feminist vision, FEM participates actively in the larger Feminist Movement of Nicaragua and promotes raising consciousness on the rights of women.
Location – Esteli, Nicaragua
Established - 1995
Diversification – Corn, Beans, vegetables, hibiscus rose, fruit trees
La Fundacion Entre Mujeres is a well organized all-women’s NGO in northern Nicaragua that promotes ideological, economic, and political empowerment of rural women through projects such as the fight against violence by creating community networks of rural defenders, an education program promoting literacy, primary and secondary education with a focus on gender equality, education in alternative careers connected to sustainable development, the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights and access to health services for women, and promoting a strategy of economic empowerment, prioritizing food sovereignty, diversified and organic production. All projects are carried out under a focus of sustainable economic development for the adults and youth that these programs reach. Through such programs, women from the rural communities are able to participate and be real actors in transforming their own realities, making decisions in the development politics carried out by la FEM.
La FEM began in 1995 when director Diana Martinez began to organize women from rural communities in the north of Nicaragua. The initial focus of the organization was to create an autonomous space for rural women that would challenge the traditional, male-dominated model of rural development and to promote women’s rights. Access to land has always been a key aspect of FEM’s proposal, allowing women to be autonomous and individual subjects of their own development. With that, comes the need to provide adequate access to reproductive resources such as credit, seeds, alternative technologies, infrastructure, and markets. With an overarching feminist vision, FEM participates actively in the larger Feminist Movement of Nicaragua and promotes raising consciousness on the rights of women.
Under the larger umbrella organization of La FEM are six smaller cooperatives scattered throughout the northern region of Nicaragua and groups together nearly 200 women farmers. These women are cultivating a total of 164 manzanas of land, focusing on organic production. Through their connection with La FEM, women farmers have access to trainings on different topics relating to organic coffee production in order to improve their production. At a centralized location, women also have access to a large nursery full of 80,000 healthy, new, organic plants as well as organic fertilizers made with recycled materials from the nearby farms, as well as a coffee roaster. Each of the cooperatives contains a wet mill, where coffee is depulped before it is sent to a nearby processing facility to be dried on patios, milled, and exported. Focusing on alternative markets and being educated on the entire production chain, FEM sells their products both locally in Esteli as well as internationally. All local products are marketed under the label “Las Diosas” (goddess in English), with a symbol that represents the moon and the rain together with the women’s symbol.
By having access to their own parcels of land while also participating in the fair trade market, women organized under La FEM have seen dramatic changes in their lives. This organization not only helps women to increase their household incomes, but it is also changing the machista culture of each of the communities that it reaches. Through their relationship with Just Coffee, many women farmers have gained access to new information through delegations and farmer exchanges both in Nicaragua as well as in Madison. Currently, Just Coffee offers two travel delegations a year to spend a week with the incredibly inspiring women of la FEM.
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POLO
Members - 300
Location - Polo, Dominican Republic
Elevation - 900 - 1601m above sea level
Established - 1993
Coffee varieties - typica, catura
Diversifiaction - Banana, Citrus, Coffee (domestic), Avocado, Banana, Macadamia, Honey
Typical farm size - 2-5 hectares (overall range 5-700 Tarea (.6 acre – 43 hectares)
Founded in 1985 6500 members in 13 province: Baní, Azua, San Cristóbal, Polo, La Descubierta, San José de Ocoa, Barahona, Pedernales, Juan Santiago, Los Ríos, El Cercado, Neyba and Hondo Valle. Mission: Bring economic and social stability to its member family in order to improve their quality of life Arabica Coffee Produced: the Baní, cultivated in altitudes 700 to 1000 meters, and the Barahona, cultivated in altitudes 800 to 1200 meters.
FEDECARES was born out of the necessity to rebuild the coffee regions after the devastating Cyclone David hit the Dominican Republic in 1979. The producers understood that by joining forces, they would become stronger. They began by creating an individual community association. Then in 1983, 60 different community associations came together to form the regional structure known as “Federation de Caficultores de la Region Sur” (FEDECARES). This non-for profit organization was legally recognized in August 1991. Since then, it has grown to include 157 associations in 13 different provinces. The main office of FEDECARES is located in the city of San Cristóbal.
Location - Polo, Dominican Republic
Elevation - 900 - 1601m above sea level
Established - 1993
Coffee varieties - typica, catura
Diversifiaction - Banana, Citrus, Coffee (domestic), Avocado, Banana, Macadamia, Honey
Typical farm size - 2-5 hectares (overall range 5-700 Tarea (.6 acre – 43 hectares)
Founded in 1985 6500 members in 13 province: Baní, Azua, San Cristóbal, Polo, La Descubierta, San José de Ocoa, Barahona, Pedernales, Juan Santiago, Los Ríos, El Cercado, Neyba and Hondo Valle. Mission: Bring economic and social stability to its member family in order to improve their quality of life Arabica Coffee Produced: the Baní, cultivated in altitudes 700 to 1000 meters, and the Barahona, cultivated in altitudes 800 to 1200 meters.
FEDECARES was born out of the necessity to rebuild the coffee regions after the devastating Cyclone David hit the Dominican Republic in 1979. The producers understood that by joining forces, they would become stronger. They began by creating an individual community association. Then in 1983, 60 different community associations came together to form the regional structure known as “Federation de Caficultores de la Region Sur” (FEDECARES). This non-for profit organization was legally recognized in August 1991. Since then, it has grown to include 157 associations in 13 different provinces. The main office of FEDECARES is located in the city of San Cristóbal.
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Cerro de Cintepec
Members – 351 total organic, 150 transitional
Location – Sierra de las Tuxtlas mountains near Catemaco, Veracruz
Elevation – 800 to 1000 meters
Established - 1984
Coffee Varieties – Arabica: Bourbon, Criollo, and Costa Rica Oro Azteca
Diversification – Peppers, avocado, citrus, guayaba, peanuts.
Typical farm size - 1-2 hectares
Tucked away in the Tuxtlas mountains of Veracruz, Mexico lies Cerro de Cintepec Cooperative. “Cintepec Hill” is located near the Laguna de Catemaco, a beautifully picturesque lake surrounded by volcanoes and a neotropical rainforest similar to that found in the Amazon. About half of the members in Cerro de Cintepec Cooperative are native Popoluca. Trees such as avocado, hazelnut, orange, banana and many others provided not only shade, but also a diversified food supply and income for farmers organized under this cooperative. This organization is characterized by their diversified production, from cattle (for meat and milk), fruit production, black pepper, to their main focus of organic coffee production.
The cooperative was founded in 1984 when a group of producers in the community of Zapoapan de Cabañas began to organize, joining together coffee producers from twelve different communities throughout southern Veracruz. Their goal was to overcome the coyotes and the poor prices they were offering. Now 26 years later, members of Cerro de Cintepec are moving forward, thanks to their organization and access to better markets. In 2007, after several years of being unable to sell their fair trade and organic certified coffee to a secure buyer, a relationship was established with Cooperative Coffees. "It means so much to us to have you here," Don Santo told us with pride, "Mexico is a beautiful country, but the prices offered to producers are not very pretty. Your visit is a true testament of our work and organization to overcome the coyotes and find better prices, to find value in the work that we are doing, and making connections with buyers in foreign countries."
Members of Cerro de Cintepec were able to make this connection through their relationship with RedCafes (the National Network of Sustainable Coffee Producer Organizations). RedCafes is a secondary umbrella organization which operates out of Chocaman, Veracruz and serves recently established sustainable coffee ccooperatives throughout the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, and Veracruz. Today REDCAFES has some 1680 members from 85 communities in several different coffee growing regions. They offer organic production advice as well as technical assistance to better market coffee in the international export market and most recently in local, roasted markets. They have recently opened a beautiful, producer-owned coffee shop in the town of Ciudad Serdan, which serves as both an outlet for the roasted coffee and an additional source of employment.
Since the beginning, RedCafes has served as a window to development, an alternative option for all producer organizations that aspire to develop their skills, organizational growth, and increased production as well as income, but because of their low number of members, low volume, and null commercial structure have difficulty doing so alone. RedCafes was born in the middle of the coffee crisis when the coffee prices reached rock bottom. During this time, many members of Cerro de Cintepec (and other regions of Mexico) either left their lands and migrated north, or cut down their coffee farms and began planting corn. The collective of social organizations decided to strategize in order to confront the ups and downs of coffee prices, following organic and fair trade production lines. With prices on the rise again, producers today see more opportunities in growing coffee, through direct, positive relationships with buyers.
Location – Sierra de las Tuxtlas mountains near Catemaco, Veracruz
Elevation – 800 to 1000 meters
Established - 1984
Coffee Varieties – Arabica: Bourbon, Criollo, and Costa Rica Oro Azteca
Diversification – Peppers, avocado, citrus, guayaba, peanuts.
Typical farm size - 1-2 hectares
Tucked away in the Tuxtlas mountains of Veracruz, Mexico lies Cerro de Cintepec Cooperative. “Cintepec Hill” is located near the Laguna de Catemaco, a beautifully picturesque lake surrounded by volcanoes and a neotropical rainforest similar to that found in the Amazon. About half of the members in Cerro de Cintepec Cooperative are native Popoluca. Trees such as avocado, hazelnut, orange, banana and many others provided not only shade, but also a diversified food supply and income for farmers organized under this cooperative. This organization is characterized by their diversified production, from cattle (for meat and milk), fruit production, black pepper, to their main focus of organic coffee production.
The cooperative was founded in 1984 when a group of producers in the community of Zapoapan de Cabañas began to organize, joining together coffee producers from twelve different communities throughout southern Veracruz. Their goal was to overcome the coyotes and the poor prices they were offering. Now 26 years later, members of Cerro de Cintepec are moving forward, thanks to their organization and access to better markets. In 2007, after several years of being unable to sell their fair trade and organic certified coffee to a secure buyer, a relationship was established with Cooperative Coffees. "It means so much to us to have you here," Don Santo told us with pride, "Mexico is a beautiful country, but the prices offered to producers are not very pretty. Your visit is a true testament of our work and organization to overcome the coyotes and find better prices, to find value in the work that we are doing, and making connections with buyers in foreign countries."
Members of Cerro de Cintepec were able to make this connection through their relationship with RedCafes (the National Network of Sustainable Coffee Producer Organizations). RedCafes is a secondary umbrella organization which operates out of Chocaman, Veracruz and serves recently established sustainable coffee ccooperatives throughout the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, and Veracruz. Today REDCAFES has some 1680 members from 85 communities in several different coffee growing regions. They offer organic production advice as well as technical assistance to better market coffee in the international export market and most recently in local, roasted markets. They have recently opened a beautiful, producer-owned coffee shop in the town of Ciudad Serdan, which serves as both an outlet for the roasted coffee and an additional source of employment.
Since the beginning, RedCafes has served as a window to development, an alternative option for all producer organizations that aspire to develop their skills, organizational growth, and increased production as well as income, but because of their low number of members, low volume, and null commercial structure have difficulty doing so alone. RedCafes was born in the middle of the coffee crisis when the coffee prices reached rock bottom. During this time, many members of Cerro de Cintepec (and other regions of Mexico) either left their lands and migrated north, or cut down their coffee farms and began planting corn. The collective of social organizations decided to strategize in order to confront the ups and downs of coffee prices, following organic and fair trade production lines. With prices on the rise again, producers today see more opportunities in growing coffee, through direct, positive relationships with buyers.
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MICHIZA
Members – 1033 members (321 women), 43 different communities
Location – Oaxaca, Mexico
Established - 1985
Diversification – oranges, corn, beans, sugar cane
Location – Oaxaca, Mexico
Established - 1985
Diversification – oranges, corn, beans, sugar cane
Yeni Navan, which translates as “Permanent Sunrise” began as a small organization linking coffee producers from various ethnic groups in the regions around Oaxaca. The name MICHIZA is an abreviation of these five indigenous groups: Mixtecos, Chinantecos, Chatinos, Cuicatecos and Zapotecos. The coop was formed in order to eliminate the local intermediaries, known as coyotes in Spanish, who are notorious for exploiting coffee farmers in the process of pricing and exporting their coffee.
Initially, MICHIZA's coffee was sold only to the local market. But by 1989, the organization obtained legal status under the name Yeni Navan and gained the legal capacity to export internationally through an exporter. By 1991, they started exporting independently.
MICHIZA offers technical support to its members to improve their capacity in organic agriculture and overall coffee quality and yields. MICHIZA is also responsible for marketing and the direct export of their members' coffee. As an organization, they aim to include women's participation in their decision-making, the impact of which is noted in the number of women who are members. In 2008, members discussed the formation of a Women's Commitee in order to develop projects better adapted to their needs.
The cooperative holds meetings (every two months) at their offices in the state's capital. A delegate from each community attends the meetings, some traveling up to 6 hours to get to the capital from their local region. Topics covered in the meetings range from administrative business to current and potential developmental projects on the go. Yeni Navan strives to enhance the quality of life for all of its partners and their families through sustainable agricultural practices and the construction of a fairer and more equitable market.
An extensive study on fair trade coffee was carried out with Michiza in Dan Jaffee’s book Breweing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustinability, and Survival.
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Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
Members – 87,000 farmers organized in 45 cooperatives
Location – Sidama (southwest Ethopia)
Elevation – 1800 meters
Established - 2001
Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (SCFCU)
Located in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia, SCFCU began representing small-scale farmers in 2001 and has since grown to become the second largest coffee producing cooperative union in Ethiopia. The majority of its member coops are organic and Fair Trade certified and nearly all their coffee is grown in the shade of diverse, indigenous trees. Approximately 5,000 tons of sidamo coffee is produced per year, 95% of which is washed.
Harvest time occurs between September to December depending on the coffee's altitude and rainfall. After the families harvest the cherries, they sell them to the primary cooperatives for wet processing. There are approximately 220 wet processing centers, 92 of which are owned by members of the coops. The dried parchment is then stored in a warehouse until delivery to the central market in Addis Ababa where the husk is removed and the clean beans are packaged for export.
Cooperative Coffees began importing unwashed Sidama coffee directly from Sidama Union in 2009. Visit SCFCU's website
Location – Sidama (southwest Ethopia)
Elevation – 1800 meters
Established - 2001
Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (SCFCU)
Located in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia, SCFCU began representing small-scale farmers in 2001 and has since grown to become the second largest coffee producing cooperative union in Ethiopia. The majority of its member coops are organic and Fair Trade certified and nearly all their coffee is grown in the shade of diverse, indigenous trees. Approximately 5,000 tons of sidamo coffee is produced per year, 95% of which is washed.
Harvest time occurs between September to December depending on the coffee's altitude and rainfall. After the families harvest the cherries, they sell them to the primary cooperatives for wet processing. There are approximately 220 wet processing centers, 92 of which are owned by members of the coops. The dried parchment is then stored in a warehouse until delivery to the central market in Addis Ababa where the husk is removed and the clean beans are packaged for export.
Cooperative Coffees began importing unwashed Sidama coffee directly from Sidama Union in 2009. Visit SCFCU's website
Gumutindo
Members – 6000 farmers - made up of 10 primary societies
Location – Upland valleys of Mt. Elgon in Eastern Uganda
Elevation – 2,000 meters above sea level
Established - 1998
Varieties – arabica traditional east African varieties
Diversification – bananas, cassava, yams
Located on and around Mount Elgon, a large volcanic mountain that spans several kilometers along the border of Uganda and Kenya, the farmers of Gumutindo produce high quality arabica coffee at altitudes that stretch beyond 2,000 meters above sea level. Gumitundo stands for “excellent quality” in their native language and members of the cooperative work hard to provide the highest quality beans through the growing, harvesitng, processing, and exporting of coffee. The cooperative is a farmer-owned business that is made up of ten different "primary societies" (a type of sub-coop) that represent more than 6,000 farmers. Like most coops, Gumutindo had modest beginnings: all operations were run by one person (the current manager Willington Wamayeye) out of a small rented office space. Since then, they've grown significantly, constructing their own offices, warehouse, and sorting room. They've also developed a professional staff team of agronomists, technicians and cuppers.
One unique aspect of Gumitundo is that women make up half the membership and play a strong role in the development of the cooperative. Gumutindo has always promoted women’s involvement at all levels of the organisation. According to Gumitundo, “We believe that when the woman controls some of the family income, the family will benefit in a number of ways, and the woman’ s status and capacity for independent action will improve. These desirable changes and measurable benefits will have positive effects within her family and her community. Because of this belief, we have begun to work with our women members on marketing their coffee separately from the bulk of Gumutindo coffee. We also encourage women to join.”
In 2003 Gumitundo registered as a new co-operative union, with the aim of making sustainable improvements to the livelihoods of their members by selling their fair trade and organic coffee in the most advantageous markets. The same year they obtained our own export license for the first time. In 2004 they were certified as a fair trade small producer organization under international fair trade standards. In 2005 we bought our own premises and began to operate as a genuinely independent farmer business.
In the 10+ years that Gumutindo has been serving the region of Mount Elgon, it has managed to revitalize its primary societies, vastly increased the quality of its coffee, instilled organic values and practices among its farmer members, and incorporated the voice of women in both its organizational and agricultural development. Appealing to the demands of specialty coffee markets, the coop analyzes and sorts all of its collected coffee according to quality, allowing importers to discern and select which coffees would best suit their market. Fair Trade has allowed the primary societies to build stores, offices, and a medical clinic for the village's inhabitants. They hope to continue their growth through transparent and mutually beneficial trade partnerships: "We seek to develop long term relationships based on mutual commitment and loyalty, with buyers who are ready to work with us as our farmer membership, coffee quality and volumes increase."
Visit Gumutindo's website.
Location – Upland valleys of Mt. Elgon in Eastern Uganda
Elevation – 2,000 meters above sea level
Established - 1998
Varieties – arabica traditional east African varieties
Diversification – bananas, cassava, yams
Located on and around Mount Elgon, a large volcanic mountain that spans several kilometers along the border of Uganda and Kenya, the farmers of Gumutindo produce high quality arabica coffee at altitudes that stretch beyond 2,000 meters above sea level. Gumitundo stands for “excellent quality” in their native language and members of the cooperative work hard to provide the highest quality beans through the growing, harvesitng, processing, and exporting of coffee. The cooperative is a farmer-owned business that is made up of ten different "primary societies" (a type of sub-coop) that represent more than 6,000 farmers. Like most coops, Gumutindo had modest beginnings: all operations were run by one person (the current manager Willington Wamayeye) out of a small rented office space. Since then, they've grown significantly, constructing their own offices, warehouse, and sorting room. They've also developed a professional staff team of agronomists, technicians and cuppers.
One unique aspect of Gumitundo is that women make up half the membership and play a strong role in the development of the cooperative. Gumutindo has always promoted women’s involvement at all levels of the organisation. According to Gumitundo, “We believe that when the woman controls some of the family income, the family will benefit in a number of ways, and the woman’ s status and capacity for independent action will improve. These desirable changes and measurable benefits will have positive effects within her family and her community. Because of this belief, we have begun to work with our women members on marketing their coffee separately from the bulk of Gumutindo coffee. We also encourage women to join.”
In 2003 Gumitundo registered as a new co-operative union, with the aim of making sustainable improvements to the livelihoods of their members by selling their fair trade and organic coffee in the most advantageous markets. The same year they obtained our own export license for the first time. In 2004 they were certified as a fair trade small producer organization under international fair trade standards. In 2005 we bought our own premises and began to operate as a genuinely independent farmer business.
In the 10+ years that Gumutindo has been serving the region of Mount Elgon, it has managed to revitalize its primary societies, vastly increased the quality of its coffee, instilled organic values and practices among its farmer members, and incorporated the voice of women in both its organizational and agricultural development. Appealing to the demands of specialty coffee markets, the coop analyzes and sorts all of its collected coffee according to quality, allowing importers to discern and select which coffees would best suit their market. Fair Trade has allowed the primary societies to build stores, offices, and a medical clinic for the village's inhabitants. They hope to continue their growth through transparent and mutually beneficial trade partnerships: "We seek to develop long term relationships based on mutual commitment and loyalty, with buyers who are ready to work with us as our farmer membership, coffee quality and volumes increase."
Visit Gumutindo's website.
CEPICAFE
Members – 6600 producers organized in 90 cooperatives
Location – Piura, Peru
Established - 1995
Coffee varieties – Caturra, tipica
Diversification – sugar cane, cacao, fruit trees, ecotourism, jam
CEPICAFE, La Central Piurana de Cafetaleros, is a secondary level non profit organization that organizes coffee, sugar, fruit, and cacao producers in the northern region of Peru. A total of 7000 producers are organized in nearly 400 organizations, and CEPICAFE offers a variety of services and support to the farmers organized within the region, 19% of which are women. Aside from organizing base level cooperatives, CEPICAFE also offers workshops and training for its members on such topics as productive technology, responsible use of natural resources, organization, and business management.
CEPICAFE first became organized in 1995 with 400 producers and received their FLO certification in 1997 to address a number of issues such as low quality of coffee, limited access to markets, predatory intermediaries, the weakening of cooperatives, and possibilities that existed within niche markets. Now, as the 19th largest exporter in Peru, CEPICAFE sells nearly $10 million worth of coffee per year to a number of different exporters both in Europe as well as the United States.
Not singly focused on coffee, CEPICAFE has worked to continue to support its members in their efforts to diversify their products in order to bring a higher quality product to the market alongside improved incomes. Based on their development and continued success, CEPICAFE has proven to be a leader in the northern region of Peru as a result of their innovation in processing and adding value to a variety of products including coffee, cacao, fruits, and sugar cane. Furthermore, efforts to develop a brand (Norandino) for all of the products produced by its members are underway as a means of promoting the work of small farmers throughout Peru. Aside from diversifying in the variety of agricultural products, CEPICAFE has also developed an alternative tourism project to promote the experience of small farmers in northern Peru as well as a carbon capturing program in many of the organized communities.
Through the consolidation of producer organizations under the CEPICAFE umbrella, producers are now active and respected agents for sustainable development in their region. They have worked collectively to improve quality and overall production under certified organic practices, and they have increased their exports from 550quintales in 1997 to 39,373 quintales into a range of specialty markets over the past 10 years. Farmers also enjoy access to financing and to development projects.
View CEPICAFE's website.
Location – Piura, Peru
Established - 1995
Coffee varieties – Caturra, tipica
Diversification – sugar cane, cacao, fruit trees, ecotourism, jam
CEPICAFE, La Central Piurana de Cafetaleros, is a secondary level non profit organization that organizes coffee, sugar, fruit, and cacao producers in the northern region of Peru. A total of 7000 producers are organized in nearly 400 organizations, and CEPICAFE offers a variety of services and support to the farmers organized within the region, 19% of which are women. Aside from organizing base level cooperatives, CEPICAFE also offers workshops and training for its members on such topics as productive technology, responsible use of natural resources, organization, and business management.
CEPICAFE first became organized in 1995 with 400 producers and received their FLO certification in 1997 to address a number of issues such as low quality of coffee, limited access to markets, predatory intermediaries, the weakening of cooperatives, and possibilities that existed within niche markets. Now, as the 19th largest exporter in Peru, CEPICAFE sells nearly $10 million worth of coffee per year to a number of different exporters both in Europe as well as the United States.
Not singly focused on coffee, CEPICAFE has worked to continue to support its members in their efforts to diversify their products in order to bring a higher quality product to the market alongside improved incomes. Based on their development and continued success, CEPICAFE has proven to be a leader in the northern region of Peru as a result of their innovation in processing and adding value to a variety of products including coffee, cacao, fruits, and sugar cane. Furthermore, efforts to develop a brand (Norandino) for all of the products produced by its members are underway as a means of promoting the work of small farmers throughout Peru. Aside from diversifying in the variety of agricultural products, CEPICAFE has also developed an alternative tourism project to promote the experience of small farmers in northern Peru as well as a carbon capturing program in many of the organized communities.
Through the consolidation of producer organizations under the CEPICAFE umbrella, producers are now active and respected agents for sustainable development in their region. They have worked collectively to improve quality and overall production under certified organic practices, and they have increased their exports from 550quintales in 1997 to 39,373 quintales into a range of specialty markets over the past 10 years. Farmers also enjoy access to financing and to development projects.
View CEPICAFE's website.
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Ocamonte APCO
Members – 300 farming families
Location – Santander, eastern mountain range of Colombia
Elevation – 1200-1700 meters
Established - 1994
Coffee varieties – Caturra
Diversification – sugar cane, plantain, corn, beans, bananas
Asociacion de pequeños caficultores de Ocamonte (APCO)
Founded in 1994, APCO is a well organized group of 270 farming families, most of whom live in in the municipality of Ocamonte in the state of Santander. This area is considered one of the most peaceful coffee growing regions in Colombia. Visitors are warmly welcomed to this region which is also known for it's striking physical beauty and a budding eco and adventure tourism industry.
APCO decided to change exporters and left EXPOCAFE in favor of the specialty division of the Federacion Nacional de Colombia (FNC). So far, they are pleased with this decision and they mentioned the fact that they were meeting a buyer of their coffee at this meeting as an example of the improvements they see in exporting through the FNC. Only one person in the meeting of about 15 leaders could remember meeting a buyer of their coffee. They have been exporting since 1997 but they have not known to whom they were exporting.
About half of the members have been certified – and many others are beginning the transition. This is a difficult time to convince farmers to convert to organic because the market price is high and the organic premium represents a lesser overall premium. But the combination of a this group's general desire to grow organically along with their reputation for organization seems to be what holds the group together.
The harvest begins at lower altitudes of 1,200 meters in September and continues up the mountains New warehouse in Ocamonte reaching coffee growing at 1,700 meters in January. The export season is from November to March. The trees are typically picked at least three times. Most coffee is Colombiana which is a variety similar to Caturra.
Their organizational structure is typical of many small farmer organizations – the board is elected at an annual assembly and consists of a president, secretary, treasurer and various committee heads such as the fair trade and security committees. There are 10 members of the board – one from each of the 10 villages that participate in APCO. Board elections are for a 2 year term and there is a two term limit for a maximum of 4 consecutive years of service. The board meets regularly and all of the members assemble at least twice a year. They have one paid employee and all others work as volunteers.
Among the larger community projects that were constructed with fair trade premium are three bridges and a portion of a school. The fair trade committee – which has existed for many years – makes recommendations to the group for annual projects then trains the trainers for each communities on how to carry out the project. Past projects include kitchen renovations for homes, chicken projects to add income to the family from the sale of eggs, group cow purchases, and seed distribution projects.
Location – Santander, eastern mountain range of Colombia
Elevation – 1200-1700 meters
Established - 1994
Coffee varieties – Caturra
Diversification – sugar cane, plantain, corn, beans, bananas
Asociacion de pequeños caficultores de Ocamonte (APCO)
Founded in 1994, APCO is a well organized group of 270 farming families, most of whom live in in the municipality of Ocamonte in the state of Santander. This area is considered one of the most peaceful coffee growing regions in Colombia. Visitors are warmly welcomed to this region which is also known for it's striking physical beauty and a budding eco and adventure tourism industry.
APCO decided to change exporters and left EXPOCAFE in favor of the specialty division of the Federacion Nacional de Colombia (FNC). So far, they are pleased with this decision and they mentioned the fact that they were meeting a buyer of their coffee at this meeting as an example of the improvements they see in exporting through the FNC. Only one person in the meeting of about 15 leaders could remember meeting a buyer of their coffee. They have been exporting since 1997 but they have not known to whom they were exporting.
About half of the members have been certified – and many others are beginning the transition. This is a difficult time to convince farmers to convert to organic because the market price is high and the organic premium represents a lesser overall premium. But the combination of a this group's general desire to grow organically along with their reputation for organization seems to be what holds the group together.
The harvest begins at lower altitudes of 1,200 meters in September and continues up the mountains New warehouse in Ocamonte reaching coffee growing at 1,700 meters in January. The export season is from November to March. The trees are typically picked at least three times. Most coffee is Colombiana which is a variety similar to Caturra.
Their organizational structure is typical of many small farmer organizations – the board is elected at an annual assembly and consists of a president, secretary, treasurer and various committee heads such as the fair trade and security committees. There are 10 members of the board – one from each of the 10 villages that participate in APCO. Board elections are for a 2 year term and there is a two term limit for a maximum of 4 consecutive years of service. The board meets regularly and all of the members assemble at least twice a year. They have one paid employee and all others work as volunteers.
Among the larger community projects that were constructed with fair trade premium are three bridges and a portion of a school. The fair trade committee – which has existed for many years – makes recommendations to the group for annual projects then trains the trainers for each communities on how to carry out the project. Past projects include kitchen renovations for homes, chicken projects to add income to the family from the sale of eggs, group cow purchases, and seed distribution projects.
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COPROCAEL
Members – 166 producers (47 women, 119 men)
Location – Ocotepeque, Honduras
Elevation – 1100 to 1750 meters above sea level
Established - 2000
Varities – Caturra
Diversification – Corn, beans, fruit trees
Typical farm size - 10 manzanas
Harvest season: December-February
Location – Ocotepeque, Honduras
Elevation – 1100 to 1750 meters above sea level
Established - 2000
Varities – Caturra
Diversification – Corn, beans, fruit trees
Typical farm size - 10 manzanas
Harvest season: December-February
COPROCAEL stands for Cooperativa De Productores De Café La Encarnación
Limitada which is based in the municipality of La Encarnación in the Ocotepeque department in Honduras near the boarder of El Salvador.
Following Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the infrastructure of Honduras was left in tatters, leaving much of the Honduran coffee crop unharvested and left to rot. On the flipside, the devastation provided Honduran farmers an opportunity to reinvent the reputation of Honduran Coffee in the world specialty coffee scene. By improving crop quality and utilizing specialty, organic and Fair trade premiums, Honduran coffee has been able to rise to the top in the quality coffee world.
Their total organic production for 2011-2012 will be 148 containers of coffee. Organic farmers are yielding an average of 40-50 quintales of parchment per manzana and can have a maximum yield of up to 65 quintales per manzana which is an impressive amount of yield by any standard for organics. They have implemented a successful worm composting system into which they deposit all of their left-over coffee pulp. The worm composting is done onsite and the resulting compost is then used for organic production. They use 3 pounds of compost on each tree, 3 times per year. Some farmers including General Manager Nelson Guerra Chinchilla use additional organic inputs on their land. They are expecting their total organic production to continue to increase as their members continue to transition into organic.
Limitada which is based in the municipality of La Encarnación in the Ocotepeque department in Honduras near the boarder of El Salvador.
Following Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the infrastructure of Honduras was left in tatters, leaving much of the Honduran coffee crop unharvested and left to rot. On the flipside, the devastation provided Honduran farmers an opportunity to reinvent the reputation of Honduran Coffee in the world specialty coffee scene. By improving crop quality and utilizing specialty, organic and Fair trade premiums, Honduran coffee has been able to rise to the top in the quality coffee world.
Their total organic production for 2011-2012 will be 148 containers of coffee. Organic farmers are yielding an average of 40-50 quintales of parchment per manzana and can have a maximum yield of up to 65 quintales per manzana which is an impressive amount of yield by any standard for organics. They have implemented a successful worm composting system into which they deposit all of their left-over coffee pulp. The worm composting is done onsite and the resulting compost is then used for organic production. They use 3 pounds of compost on each tree, 3 times per year. Some farmers including General Manager Nelson Guerra Chinchilla use additional organic inputs on their land. They are expecting their total organic production to continue to increase as their members continue to transition into organic.
The cooperative owns and manages a demonstration farm where they took completely arid land and turned into a highly productive farm within a few years through deep mulching and worm composting. They use this land as an example to teach other farmers about better organic farming practices and the positive impact which can result.
COPROCAEL has a central wet mill where they process all of their coffee. They use aquapulping, which is an “eco-friendly” substitute for the normal pulp, wash, and ferment procedure in traditional wet processing. They also have the capacity to ferment their beans once they’ve been pulped. They choose not to because it is more water efficient to use aquapulping and they’ve found no discernible negative impact in doing so. They have 3 methods of drying the pergomino down to 12%: Passive solar drying, patio drying, and drying machines. They primarily use the drying drums. They are also in the process of implementing the solar dryers on raised beds as well.
COPROCAEL has a central wet mill where they process all of their coffee. They use aquapulping, which is an “eco-friendly” substitute for the normal pulp, wash, and ferment procedure in traditional wet processing. They also have the capacity to ferment their beans once they’ve been pulped. They choose not to because it is more water efficient to use aquapulping and they’ve found no discernible negative impact in doing so. They have 3 methods of drying the pergomino down to 12%: Passive solar drying, patio drying, and drying machines. They primarily use the drying drums. They are also in the process of implementing the solar dryers on raised beds as well.
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CCDA
LOCATION – Solola, Guatemala
ESTABLISHED - 1998
DIVERSIFICATION – corn, beans, fruit trees
Comite Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) initially began as a civilian support group for the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR) during the peak of the civil warm in 1982 in San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango. This organization has been around since the early eighties, and after being outlawed during the war and working “underground” organizing Mayan campesinos they re-emerged after the war and were recognized as a “legitimate” political group working within Guatemalan civil society. The original name was the Campesino Committee in Defence of the Highlands. The perception that the CCDA was another armed group led to the arrest, disappearance, assassination and exile of many of the CCDA directors by the repression of the government against social groups and human rights. For this reason, the CCDA changed its name to the Campesino committee of the Highlands. The CCDA began to work clandestinely until 1988 but were not established legally until 2000 when it succeeded in becoming a legal organization. There are still CCDA members living outside the country.
The CCDA participates at a regional, departmental, national and international level in defence of access to land and the agricultural situation, labour rights, human rights and the Mayan cultural situation. Through their work, several members receive support with questions of land, credit, educational scholarships, and have the opportunity to participate in various trainings offered by the CCDA and other affiliates.
At the national level, the CCDA forms part of the National Coordination of Campesino Organizations (CNOC). Through this group, campesinos can organize themselves and struggle together to improve their living conditions. That is to say that campesino organizations like the CCDA can collaborate in declaring their discontent with the lack of governmental policies in favour of rural development and call for a better Guatemala that considers the needs of campesinos and indigenous people.
Much like Nicaragua's La FEM, CCDA's coffee project is just one important piece of their larger political project. They have been exporting to Canada for several years working with several Canadian solidarity groups, but had never sold their excellent coffee to US buyers. They have had interest in their coffee from US importers, but they had not found the right connection; one that also sees coffee and a vehicle for social and economic justice. When we met in August 2010 we realized quickly that we were a good fit for each other.
CCDA is an extraordinary group and is doing incredible work in Guatemala. Some of their members continue to be harassed by “unknown” groups and the president of the organization has historically received threats from unknown group for his political work. Their courage and vision are rare and important and we at Just Coffee are very excited to bring you their most excellent coffee and assist them in achieving their goal of a more just Guatemala and world.
ESTABLISHED - 1998
DIVERSIFICATION – corn, beans, fruit trees
Comite Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) initially began as a civilian support group for the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR) during the peak of the civil warm in 1982 in San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango. This organization has been around since the early eighties, and after being outlawed during the war and working “underground” organizing Mayan campesinos they re-emerged after the war and were recognized as a “legitimate” political group working within Guatemalan civil society. The original name was the Campesino Committee in Defence of the Highlands. The perception that the CCDA was another armed group led to the arrest, disappearance, assassination and exile of many of the CCDA directors by the repression of the government against social groups and human rights. For this reason, the CCDA changed its name to the Campesino committee of the Highlands. The CCDA began to work clandestinely until 1988 but were not established legally until 2000 when it succeeded in becoming a legal organization. There are still CCDA members living outside the country.
The CCDA participates at a regional, departmental, national and international level in defence of access to land and the agricultural situation, labour rights, human rights and the Mayan cultural situation. Through their work, several members receive support with questions of land, credit, educational scholarships, and have the opportunity to participate in various trainings offered by the CCDA and other affiliates.
At the national level, the CCDA forms part of the National Coordination of Campesino Organizations (CNOC). Through this group, campesinos can organize themselves and struggle together to improve their living conditions. That is to say that campesino organizations like the CCDA can collaborate in declaring their discontent with the lack of governmental policies in favour of rural development and call for a better Guatemala that considers the needs of campesinos and indigenous people.
Much like Nicaragua's La FEM, CCDA's coffee project is just one important piece of their larger political project. They have been exporting to Canada for several years working with several Canadian solidarity groups, but had never sold their excellent coffee to US buyers. They have had interest in their coffee from US importers, but they had not found the right connection; one that also sees coffee and a vehicle for social and economic justice. When we met in August 2010 we realized quickly that we were a good fit for each other.
CCDA is an extraordinary group and is doing incredible work in Guatemala. Some of their members continue to be harassed by “unknown” groups and the president of the organization has historically received threats from unknown group for his political work. Their courage and vision are rare and important and we at Just Coffee are very excited to bring you their most excellent coffee and assist them in achieving their goal of a more just Guatemala and world.
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Mejillones
Members – 87
Location – Calama, Bolivia
Elevation – 1400 meters
Established - 1988
Coffee varieties – Catuai, Caturra
Diversification – fruit trees, bread baking
Average farm size- 7 Hectares
Mejillones cooperative is made up of 80 members located in the coffee capital of Bolivia, the lush forests of the Yungas region. The Yungas is home to the famous “Death Highway”, which follows the Andes Mountains as they transform from the dry Altiplano to the lush green forests of the Amazon rainforest. This distinct region is the divider between these two climates and is home to some of the most fertile soil, and consequently where the majority of coffee in Bolivia is produced. All coffee that comes from the Yungas region must travel on these treacherous dirt roads to be processed and exported from La Paz.
As one of the “group of 8”, Mejillones works closely with FECAFEB to make more direct contact with buyers, as a means of receiving financing, as well as workshops and trainings on organic agriculture techniques, a better price, and social premiums. Mejillones itself has five agriculture technicians as well as their own cupping lab in Calama, a collection center, an export license, coffee plant nurseries, and a dry processing facility in El Alto, near La Paz. Because the coffee has to climb several thousand feet on their way to be processed in the capital and eventually exported, coffee is only dried in Calama until it reaches 16% rather than the normal 12%, and the coffee beans lose moisture during the ascent to the 13,600 ft elevation of El Alto.
Members of this cooperative migrated from the dry Altiplano region and their drought stricken land in search of the rainy forests of the Yungas region, carrying with them small coffee plants from the town of Coroico to begin a new life. Now Mejillones has grown to be a well developed cooperative in the town of Calama and farmers are able to focus on reforestation projects, health, credit, education and gender equity through their participation in the cooperative.
Location – Calama, Bolivia
Elevation – 1400 meters
Established - 1988
Coffee varieties – Catuai, Caturra
Diversification – fruit trees, bread baking
Average farm size- 7 Hectares
Mejillones cooperative is made up of 80 members located in the coffee capital of Bolivia, the lush forests of the Yungas region. The Yungas is home to the famous “Death Highway”, which follows the Andes Mountains as they transform from the dry Altiplano to the lush green forests of the Amazon rainforest. This distinct region is the divider between these two climates and is home to some of the most fertile soil, and consequently where the majority of coffee in Bolivia is produced. All coffee that comes from the Yungas region must travel on these treacherous dirt roads to be processed and exported from La Paz.
As one of the “group of 8”, Mejillones works closely with FECAFEB to make more direct contact with buyers, as a means of receiving financing, as well as workshops and trainings on organic agriculture techniques, a better price, and social premiums. Mejillones itself has five agriculture technicians as well as their own cupping lab in Calama, a collection center, an export license, coffee plant nurseries, and a dry processing facility in El Alto, near La Paz. Because the coffee has to climb several thousand feet on their way to be processed in the capital and eventually exported, coffee is only dried in Calama until it reaches 16% rather than the normal 12%, and the coffee beans lose moisture during the ascent to the 13,600 ft elevation of El Alto.
Members of this cooperative migrated from the dry Altiplano region and their drought stricken land in search of the rainy forests of the Yungas region, carrying with them small coffee plants from the town of Coroico to begin a new life. Now Mejillones has grown to be a well developed cooperative in the town of Calama and farmers are able to focus on reforestation projects, health, credit, education and gender equity through their participation in the cooperative.
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