Producer Profiles

Finca La Frontera

Finca La Frontera is a banana plantation located in the Urabá region of Colombia. Urabá has suffered some of the worst violence in the decade-long civil war in Colombia. Thankfully, the region is relatively peaceful now and communities are rebuilding. However, because the region is still influenced by drug traffickers, legitimate employment, which offers workers and their families a better avenue to escape poverty, is vital to keep the youth out of the drug trade. Fair Trade helps employ farmers and families in the community and provide fair and stable wages, and much-needed development programs.
 

Quotable

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I am very happy because my income has increased, making it possible to give my family a better life.  ”

Freddy Pacheco
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We enjoy being in our house to the maximum. It is now more pleasant, more spacious and has more comforts for us to enjoy.  ”

Delio Mosquero
“

The extra income has been beneficial for our family. We are thankful for the support the farmers gave us, and we hope that every day our sales will be better than the last.  ”

Monica Cordoba

Programs

Wheelchair Donation

La Frontera’s workers have decided to share the benefits of their Fair Trade premium with their community. In 2008, the group chose to help a local youth named Farid Pitalua. Due to a physical condition, Farid could not walk and his family could not afford a wheelchair; La Frontera’s workers contributed $USD 317.00 to buy him one. Each year, farm workers collectively decide who in the community is in most need and how Fair Trade premiums could be spent to help them specifically.

Small Business Loans

La Frontera used Fair Trade premiums to fund small loans for start-up businesses by farm workers and their immediate family. Such projects provide additional income for families.

Academic Scholarships for Workers

La Frontera uses Fair Trade premiums to fund scholarships to help its workers pursue a formal education. Workers at La Frontera have pursued degrees to become network technicians and hospital administrative assistants, for example.