Producer Profiles

CESMACH - Campesinos Ecológicos de la Sierra Madre Chiapas

Campesinos Ecológicos de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas (CESMACH) is a coffee cooperative located in the southern highlands of Chiapas within the buffer zone of the El Triunfo Biosphere. El Triunfo is an area of great ecological importance because it contains two of the most complex and beautiful ecosystems in the world: the cloud forest and the tropical rain forest. El Triunfo’s unique ecosystems are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species considered rare or in danger of extinction.

CESMACH members are deeply committed to practicing sustainable agriculture to protect the biosphere and the natural resources within its boundaries. The organization became Fair Trade certified for coffee in 2001 and in 2003, they were awarded the Ecological Merit Award by the Mexican government for its efforts to protect endangered plant species. The co-op is working towards 100 percent organic methods.

CESMACH's members have been able to pay off their debts and make necessary improvements to their homes, thanks to the higher price they receive for the coffee from Fair Trade sales. They now offer full pre-harvest financing for its members assuring farmers with the resources to produce high quality coffee.
 

Quotable

“

Fair Trade has helped us progress little by little. It has improved the conditions of my family life.  ”

Raul Gutierrez, CESMACH Member
“

Thanks to Fair Trade we have improved our coffee plots. Now that I receive a better price for my coffee I am able to educate my children.  ”

Mauro Vigo Gamboa, CESMACH Member
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Thankfully we are organized, producing organic and Fair Trade coffee, and managing to obtain a high quality product with which we can better attend to our greatest necessities.  ”

Ataulfo Moreno, CESMACH Member

Programs

Training Sessions for Women

CESMACH has a women's program that trains eight groups of women how to raise poultry and cultivate organic gardens.

First Aid Kit Distribution and Medicinal Plants

Each co-op family has received a basic first aid kit for their homes and have had opportunities to attend workshops on cultivating and identifying medicinal plants.

Investments in Quality Improvements

Access to credit has allowed the co-op to finance the construction of a cupping laboratory, a coffee storage shed, and a meeting hall. Members are provided with training in sustainable agricultural methods, organic production and quality control.