Producer Profiles
COAGRICSAL - Cooperativa Agrícola Cafetalera San Antonio
COAGRICSAL was founded in 1995 with one vision – improve the quality of lives in their community and preserve the environment. The harmonious relationship between human beings and the environment is something COAGRICSAL holds sacred. By centralizing their harvesting methods around environmentally sustainable practices, the cooperative acted to revive their effected ecosystems.
Today, the cooperative includes 800 members, all of which have benefitted from their Fair Trade certification. The premiums have allowed them to invest in community projects that help strengthen livelihoods, health, sanitation and education. Farmers pay very close attention to the way their coffee is produced, from start to finish, and hold high standards of quality. They sell primarily to specialty coffee markets reaching a variety of consumers on a global scale.
The cooperative prides itself on its core values –solidarity, fairness and justice. Members believe they are stronger as a group, and together they strive for a better future for their families and community.
Today, the cooperative includes 800 members, all of which have benefitted from their Fair Trade certification. The premiums have allowed them to invest in community projects that help strengthen livelihoods, health, sanitation and education. Farmers pay very close attention to the way their coffee is produced, from start to finish, and hold high standards of quality. They sell primarily to specialty coffee markets reaching a variety of consumers on a global scale.
The cooperative prides itself on its core values –solidarity, fairness and justice. Members believe they are stronger as a group, and together they strive for a better future for their families and community.
Programs
Low Interest Loans
Using Fair Trade premium funds, COAGRICSAL is able to offer small loans to producers for farm maintenance at very low interest rates, financially assisting an estimated 473 producers (2011).
New Coffee Dryers
The cooperative elected to invest Fair Trade premium in the purchase of two dryers needed to handle increasing volumes of production. Members are able to dry their coffee at lower costs and garner a higher quality product.
Donation of Medical Kits
The cooperative has used their Fair Trade premium to strengthen access to medical care throughout the community by donating medical kits to schools, churches, community centers and other organized groups upon request.
