Strengthening Small Producers

For smallholder coffee farmers of this Peruvian cooperative, long-term success depends on productive crops, technical skills, and strong market positioning. To this end, members invest their Community Development Funds towards addressing productivity, reducing costs, and strengthen farmer incomes. In 2023, this project helped the cooperative distribute 20 of organic fertilizer to each farmer, boosting soil health and protecting their 2024 harvest. The scope of the project also covered critical export logistics and processing costs, reducing the financial burden on members and helping them reach global markets more efficiently. To build long-term capacity, the cooperative also invested their Community Development Funds to train its staff, ensuring they have the skills to manage complex production and export processes. Finally, the cooperative paid a premium of US$0.06 per kilo for each farmer’s harvest, recognizing their commitment to quality and providing a direct financial boost to their households. Together, these investments create a cycle of support, empowering farmers to improve their productivity, reduce costs, and secure better prices—strengthening their businesses and their communities.