A First Fair Trade Premium Plan for Long-Term Growth

Cooperativa Agraria de Productores Integrados San Martín in Peru recently achieved Fair Trade Certification and developed their first Fair Trade Premium Plan, set to begin implementation in June 2026. The plan commits approximately $64,320 USD in Community Development Funds to strengthen coffee production, improve farm sustainability, and build cooperative capacity. Planned investments span a range of priorities: technical assistance, certification compliance, and participation in trade fairs to expand access to specialty markets and direct buyers. On the environmental side, the cooperative will produce at least 40 metric tons of organic compost annually for distribution among members and provide 10,000 shade tree seedlings to improve soil quality, support farm ecosystems, and maintain organic production standards. Training and education is one of the projects of the plan, with approximately $3,360 USD allocated to strengthen coffee quality, cooperative governance, workplace safety, and producer participation. A standout feature is the Coffee Quality School, which will offer hands-on training in cupping, sensory evaluation, and specialty processing methods including honey, natural, and controlled fermentation. This focus is critical: the needs assessment found that only 15% of members were familiar with specialty processing techniques, limiting their ability to produce higher-value, differentiated coffees. The program aims to grow that number significantly and support the development of specialty lots for direct commercialization, with 60 producers set to benefit directly. The broader training program covering Fair Trade standards, human rights, gender equity, and cooperative governance will reach up to 268 members, committee representatives, directors, and staff. As a first step under Fair Trade Certification, these investments reflect the cooperative's commitment to building knowledge and creating a strong foundation for long-term growth.