Producer Profiles

El Antojo - Plantaciones Churido Finca El Antojo

Plantaciones Churido Ltda Finca El Antojo (El Antojo) has been a banana plantation since 1992. El Antojo workers’ greatest challenges are securing ownership of a safe place of residence, and completing their education. El Antojo became Fair Trade Certified™ in 2007 to produce cleaner, healthier fruit for consumers within a production system based on equality and empowerment for workers.
 

Quotable

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We are very grateful for the opportunity to have our own business. We now own a barbershop, which improves our economic outlook and overall quality of life.  ”

Ever Manuel Pérez
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I am very grateful that I now have access to credit so I can improve my home. This is a great benefit and my entire family's quality of life has improved. I hope Fair Trade lasts for a long time!  ”

Leoncio Bonilla, El Antojo worker
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The Muñoz-Agudelo family is very grateful for the opportunity to get a loan so we can buy a plot of land and build our home. Our lives improved the moment we had a place to rest and share as a family. It will be a place for my daughters to grow up in. I hope many other workers get to experience this joy I feel.  ”

Blanca Agudelo Marín, Worker

Programs

Educational Support

El Antojo’s Joint Body boasts that an estimated 97 percent of workers have benefited from the scholarship program funded by Fair Trade premiums. Whether to finish elementary school, high school, technical school or an associate degree, El Antojo workers are encouraged to continue their education to improve their future.

Housing Program

El Antojo allocates Fair Trade premiums for a low interest loan program to finance the purchase of a new house, cover costs of improvement to current residences or to secure legal deeds on current property. Sixty-four workers have benefited from this program so far (2010).

Small Business Loans

El Antojo has allocated Fair Trade premiums for a low-interest small business loan program. This low- interest program has helped families start convenience stores, hair salons, clothing outlets and other small business ventures.