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Thanks to Fair Trade I have received capacity building trainings on organic production and now I am committed to maintaining a method of production that will protect and sustain the environment. ”
What is Fair Trade? | Impact
Building Sustainable Business
Small farmers face many hurdles in gaining access to today’s global marketplace. From getting access to credit for much needed business purchases, to middlemen who don’t pay fair prices for crops, to simply lacking knowledge of accounting procedures, small producers often cannot make enough to even cover their own costs. This is where Fair Trade Certified comes in. By creating a system of producer cooperatives trained in the necessary skills, Fair Trade farmers are able to deal directly with the market buyers and demand a living wage. With portions of their revenue being continually reinvested, cooperatives are constantly building their capacities and farmers are becoming truly empowered to create change in their communities.
Featured Producer
El Ceibo - Central de Cooperativas El Ceibo Ltda.
The Central de Cooperativas El Ceibo (El Ceibo) is named after the majestic and deep-rooted tree of Andean rainforest that grows steadily and seems to never die; a symbol of the cooperative’s strength –the Ceibo tree.
How they have made a difference: Community Investment. El Ceibo awards yearly bonuses for cooperative members 65 years of age and older. In 2006, 97 men and 43 women received a bonus in honor of their long commitment.
