Producer Profiles

CEPICAFE - Central Piurana de Cafetaleros

Central Piurana de Cafetaleros (CEPICAFE) is an association of 90 small-scale coffee cooperatives formed in 1995 in the Piura region of northwestern Peru. Before becoming Fair Trade Certified™ in 1996, the local farmers sold their coffee to local intermediaries at extremely low prices, causing many farm workers to leave the region in search of additional work.

The cooperative aims to improve the quality of life of coffee-growing families and is an important contributor to the sustainable development of the region. It became Fair Trade Certified in order to access international markets on a level where farmers would be paid fairly for their product. CEPICAFE prides itself in the direct level of participation and autonomy that its members hold in decisions involving the cooperative.
 

Quotable

“

As a promoter of agroecology, I want to demonstrate that women can take on responsibilities. I want to showcase our innovative skills in the development sector.  ”

Santos Lizana, cooperative member
“

We have learned about ecological practices to help us manage our coffee sustainably and improve our final product. We now have efficient equipment and we practice hand selecting seeds from the plants with the highest production to increase yields.  ”

Isidro Guerrero, member
“

We now produce high quality coffee that is also organic, which helps conserve and protect our local environment.  ”

Yolanda Tacto, co-operative member

Programs

Training and Technical Assistance

With the help of Fair Trade premiums, members are empowered to take an active role in the cooperative. CEPICAFE used premium funds on technical assistance and training for members about its organizational structure and management protocol.

Funerary Fund

This cumulative fund has been growing for many years now, with contributions made from premiums received by CEPICAFE. Around $200 are allotted to each member to be used on funerary expenses, if and when the need were to arise. This fund allows the families of the deceased to have additional support to help bury their loved one.

Community Project Fund

To improve the lives of members and assist with the development of their communities, CEPICAFE has invested part of its premiums in providing assistance to manage community projects. This fund suuports two professional consultants who work on projects that have been selected by each community. Past projects include the creation of business plans, the development of efficient production plans and other consulting projects that have provided services for diverse community needs.The consultants provide members with individualized assistance for each community.