AGROGANA - Agroganadera Espinosa Chiriboga SA

Agroganadera Espinosa Chiriboga S.A. is an Ecuadorian flower plantation specializing in roses that was established in 1999 as a means to enter the Fair Trade market and thus improve the quality of life of its stakeholders, the employees. The farm is situated at 10,000 feet in the Andean region of Ecuador in the Cotopaxi province which is known as the home of one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes. Historically, this region has faced high unemployment and illiteracy rates, a result of the poor economic situation many are born into. Agroganadera’s owners employ over 170 workers and try to provide comprehensive community services to the community. However, many people living in Cotopaxi still lack the resources to send their children to school. Many workers never completed their own basic studies, leaving school at an early age to support their families. As a result both management and workers at Agroganadera Espinosa Chiriboga have made education a priority. With Fair Trade premiums, programs promoting education and providing academic opportunities have been developed, giving members and their families new tools for a brighter tomorrow.