COOPERATIVES BUILD A BETTER WORLD
Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realise their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations.
Cooperatives bring people together in a democratic and equal way. Whether the members are the customers, employees, users or residents, cooperatives are democratically managed by the 'one member, one vote' rule. Members share equal voting rights regardless of the amount of capital they put into the enterprise.
People before Profits
The cooperative business model enables farmers to pool their resources and democratically govern a global company. In doing so, Pachamama Coffee ensures direct investment at origin, improving sustainability and quality, which means better organic coffee for you and more profits for the farmer.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to any and all persons able to contribute their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Members serving as elected representatives are held accountable to the members they represent. One member, one vote.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute to the capital of the cooperative equitably. They are compensated based on their participation and services they provide. Surplus profits are used to develop the cooperative or support other organizations approved by the cooperative members.
4. Autonomy and independence
Cooperatives are independent organizations controlled by their members. Any agreements made with other organizations are done so to preserve the cooperative's autonomy and ensure democratic control.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for all their members. At Pachamama Coffee our farmers share knowledge of regenerative agricultural techniques, the benefits of organic farming, and community building. Cooperatives also provide education to the greater community informing them on the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
6. Cooperation amongst Cooperatives
Cooperatives strengthen the cooperative movement when we work together. Pachamama Coffee is an international cooperative consisting of thousands of coffee farmers. We also work within the United States partnering with other farmer owned cooperatives and consumer owned cooperatives.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work toward the sustainable benefit of their communities. Pachamama Coffee's farmer owners are building the future of coffee with every tree planted and coffee bean roasted.
The Five Sister Cooperatives
Pachamama Coffee is a coalition of five coffee cooperatives located in Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. These five sisters represent the thousands of farmers all over the globe that reserve their best crop....
COCLA | Peru
Based in Quillabamba, Peru, the COCLA cooperative is owned by 3,500 family farmers.
PRODECOOP | Nicaragua
Representing 2,300 families in northern Nicaragua, PRODECOOP cooperative is based in Esteli, Nueva Segovia.
Manos Campesinas | Guatemala
Manos Campesinas is an association of 1,100 family farmers in the highlands of southwestern Guatemala.
La Union Regional | México
Nestled high in the mountains of Veracruz, La Unión Regional de Huatusco is a cooperative of 2,000 coffee farmers.
OCFCU | Ethiopia
Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union represents thousands of smallholders across Ethiopa, including Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Limu and Nekemte.
Principle 7 - Concern for Community
Social Impact
Governed by the people they serve, cooperatives keep money in the community and prioritze funding for the economic, social and cultural needs of the people. Hear from farmer owner Alexa Marin about some of the gender equity programs that Prodecoop in Nicaragua implements for its members.
Principle 5 - Education, Training, and Information
A Better Way to Do Business
Who, what, why, and how do co-ops work? We answer your questions on all things cooperatives and how Pachamama Coffee Cooperative reflects that business model.
Principle 6 - Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives
A COLLAB FIT FOR CO-OP MONTH | GRASS ROOTS FARMERS COOPERATIVE
Cooperative supports cooperatives. Learn about our partnership and collaboration with Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative.
When We Work Together, We Grow Together | Our Partners
We want to highlight our cooperative partners who continue to support Pachamama Coffee and deliver their customers the highest quality organic and sustainable coffee on the market today.
THE COOPERATIVE CAFÉ | SACRAMENTO NATURAL FOODS COOP
When we work together, we succeed together. Learn about our collaboration with the Sacramento Natural Foods Cooperative and how we built a revolutionary café.