On the main cooperative level, groups of women produce their own coffee and have been seeking more lucrative markets in the U.S. Together they are the “COOPAC Coffee Made by Women” group and have witnessed the benefits of COOPAC premium funded programs. Premiums have facilitated purchases their own plantations instead of relying solely on plantations they inherit. This has allowed them to increase their coffee yield and production. Their coffee will be categorized and branded separately from regular COOPAC coffee. These women have also received training in basketry and will eventually sell their baskets to the U.S. and Japan. After harvest seasons end, business classes are offered to women to educate them on additional income generating projects.
