PERU: CAC PANGOA
Fast Facts:
Founded in 1977
600 Members—based in San Martin de Pangoa, 450 km from Lima
220 Members are certified organic
105 Members currently in transition to organic
Altitude of plots between 1,100 and 2,000 meters
Crop diversification includes cocoa and honey
In 2007 they exported 11 containers of FT organic coffee and 2 in transition
For 2008 they expect to export 20 FT organic and 5 of transitional
Located in the district of San Martin de Pangoa, the CAC Pangoa (Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa) was founded by its original 50 members in 1977. Today, its 721 members, along with its team of directors, technicians and employees are working hard to compete in a complicated international market. The majority of the coop members still cultivate coffee on five to ten hectare plots.
The cooperative promotes strong leadership and gender equality. The Women's Development Committee (Comite de Desarrollo de la Mujer) works to benefit the female members, wives, daughters, and ultimately all the coffee producing families. They are an integral part of the cooperative and strengthen it by forming new leaders and members with a strong vision of development. One example of their work is the organizing of medical check-ups for all women over 30 years old for prevention and early detection of several diseases.
About five years ago, the cooperative initiated its organic program to teach members best organic practices as well as helping community groups understand all internal and external inspection norms. Pangoa has promoted the diversification of production with cocoa in lower elevations and honey. They also use revenue from Fair Trade coffee sales to sponsor several initiatives: Credit and savings support, crop diversification programs, women's organization promotion, insurance, infrastructure improvements, and technical assistance.
The cooperative is working hard to improve the quality of organic cocoa for use in the fine chocolate industry. Also, 6000 kg of honey was produced and most was sold locally. A project is being developed for the production of honey wine for broader distribution.
"With the Fair Trade price we hope to increase our organic production so that we can improve and conserve the soil and subsequently increase our productivity. With increased revenue from Fair Trade sales, we plan to improve all technical aspects of our production."
- Esperanza Dionisio Castillo
CAC Pangoa, General manager
