This Paraguayan cooperative was founded on November 18, 1989 to help small producers find markets for their products and avoid dependency on low-paying intermediaries. Most farmers, in addition to sugar cane, produce fruits and vegetables –oranges, grape fruits, bananas, melon, pineapple, manioc, maize, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and peanuts for local markets.
How they have made a difference: Health. Portions of the Fair Trade premium are used to help cover members’ medical expenses –consultations, major surgeries and operations, and ambulance use for example.
The training courses in First Aid were important for everybody's well-being. We were introduced to new tools and clothes for our health and safety. Needless to say, all workers are happy for the mobile toilet units, which we bought with the premium. ”
