Building Productivity and Export Capacity

Cocoa producers at Cooperativa Aprosaroch Mazamari cultivate organic cacao near the Amazon rainforest in Satipo, Junín, Peru. This cooperative spans farms across Mazamari, Llaylla, and Satipo. Since its launch in 2002, the group has grown remarkably from just 21 founding families to 266 member families today. As global demand for high quality organic cocoa rises, these farmers recognized a clear need to boost productivity, maintain strict quality standards, and protect their export operations in a highly competitive market. During their 2025 planning process, members exercised their voting rights to review priorities and approve the strategic use of $137,240 USD of Fair Trade Community Development Funds. They allocated 46% of the budget directly to quality and productivity initiatives. This investment covered personalized technical assistance, organic fertilizers, a new cocoa storage facility, and solar dryers on member farms for better post harvest handling. They designated another 49% for commercialization and export costs, which included administrative staff, logistics, export materials, and certification fees. The cooperative approved the remaining funds to provide valuable worker incentives and essential medical insurance. Because every member has a voice and vote in governance, Aprosaroch Mazamari families collectively planned for their own future. These targeted investments supported all 266 households by improving daily farming performance, strengthening core business operations, and securing vital access to export markets. The process also demonstrates how Fair Trade provides a framework for building resilient and inclusive organizations that can generate practical benefits for members and their communities.