From the Bean to the Cup - Guatemala's Successful Coffee Cooperatives

Guatemalan coffee is promoted by the Guatemalan National Coffee Association. Guatemala has eight coffee regions: Acatenango Valley, Antigua Coffee, Traditional Atitlán, Rainforest Cobán, Fraijanes Plateau, Highland Huehue, New Oriente and Volcanic San Marcos.

The country has a large number of small coffee farmers ("campesinos") that produce small quantities of coffee and a small number of large to very large plantations ("fincas") that produce the largest share of coffee in Guatemala. To compete and retain their independence as small scale farmers, "campesinos" operate individually or join cooperatives or associations that sell their coffee to the export markets. In general, governmental public and national policies are not the friendliest towards the small farmer. Fortunately, through the cooperatives, the small scale farmers benefit from Fair Trade and can succeed on their own through entrepreneurial ventures

Two interesting cooperative stories are Manos Campesinas and V'al Voq Quyol Chajul.

Manos Campesinas Asociación Civil de Pequeños Productores de Café (Farmers' Hands - Association of Small Coffee Producers) is a Guatemalan success story worth telling.

Started in 1997, this is an association of eight grassroots groups from San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Retalhuleu and Solola in Guatemala.
The average farm family has 5 to 7 members. Most members grow coffee in farms that are less than 2 ¼ acres in size.
Manos Campesinas now has more than 1000 members and the growth in membership continues. This coop is registered with the Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO) which helps market their crop to the international markets.
Manos Campesinas exports more than 60% of their crops under fair trade conditions. They collect an above average coffee price which supports continued coffee cultivation and economic stability.
A very positive impact of fair trade pricing is that it helps farmers and their families remain on their lands instead of considering illegal immigration to northern territories.
By collecting more money and having a communal support group, farmers get better health services, education, technical assistance and the opportunity to improve their own infrastructure.

The story of Manos Campesinas is particularly appealing. It demonstrates what groups of individuals can do when they join forces towards a common good through private enterprise and personal determination.

Another Guatemalan coop success story is about the V'al Voq Quyol Chajul Cooperative in the Guatemalan highlands.

The Ixil Triangle lies deep in the western highlands of Western Guatemala. This isolated area is home to the Ixil Maya who make a living from farming and their looms.
During Guatemala's civil war (1960-1996), Ixil's remote location and near invisibility to everyone on the national stage made it a perfect target for rebel groups that established their headquarters in this area.
As a result, the Ixil Maya way of life was nearly destroyed. The population suffered years of aggression, abuse and social disruption.
It is amazing that the Ixil Maya were able to preserve their communal bond and traditions through years of suffering. They emerged as a united group, wary of strangers but aware of the need to connect in positive ways with the external world.
The Ixil Maya people are poorer and less educated than other groups in Guatemala, a consequence of their isolation. However, they are making every effort possible to improve their lives while preserving their culture and traditions. Coffee cultivation helps them do that.
The cooperative membership is their link to the fair trade international markets. The international awareness of this cooperative of about 2,500 members is also helping to market handmade indigenous crafts and clothing that are absolutely beautiful. The Ixil Maya now have their own bank and health clinic, leadership training and education programs.

The future does look bright for the Ixil Maya. Through actual successful results and improved lifestyle, children in the community now view farming as a desirable long term occupation. This is a very important factor to ensure the continuity of the Ixil Maya culture for the future.

So, ready to drink a great cup of Guatemalan Antigua coffee?

About this Author

Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.

Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com Also visit: http://www.squidoo.com/coffee-lensography-TheGourmetCoffeeGuy

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