Investing in Education, Expanding Opportunities

At Hoja Verde, a Fair Trade Certified flower farm in Cayambe, Ecuador, education offers a clear path for workers to achieve their personal and professional goals. Hoja Verde has been Fair Trade Certified for 23 years, and the worker-managed legal entity Corporación FLORSABI represents all workers through the Fair Trade Committee. Today, FLORSABI stands as a vital resource for both farm employees and the broader community because of the range of projects it manages and the practical benefits premium projects create. In 2025, workers chose to invest $47,000 USD in Fair Trade Premium funds toward educational programs, reaching 215 individuals. The purpose was to support continued education and professional development by helping workers access the resources they need to strengthen their skills and qualifications. The comprehensive program funds education in many forms such as secondary school completion, university degrees, technical training, entrepreneurship, and driving courses. Lenny Javier, worker at the packing house, was able to obtain a professional driver’s license through this project and now works as a driver on weekends. To maintain funding, participants must show steady academic progress. Sonia Hidalgo, a committee member, notes the supportive environment: "Teachers are patient because they know we are of different ages and that we do not all learn the same way. We all complete our assignments so we can present our documents and grades to the committee and receive the benefit." The program has supported different pathways based on individual goals. Carla Cagua worked at Hoja Verde for four years as a flower grader, selecting export-quality flowers. Through the education program, she studied beauty services with a specialization in eyelashes. She also received guidance on how to start a business. She later accessed a loan from Corporación FLORSABI to purchase the equipment needed to open her own salon where she now offers haircuts, nail services, and eyelash treatments. Carla’s success beautifully illustrates the direct connection between conscious consumer choices and life-changing, real-world opportunities. Reflecting on this impact, she shares, "When consumers buy flowers with the Fair Trade label, it creates possibilities for workers that do not exist on other farms. It helps more people study and support their families moving forward."