MANOS CAMPESINAS
Founding Member
MANOS CAMPESINAS
In Guatemala, Manos Campesinas is a second-level cooperative owned by 8 associations and 1,100 families. Approximately 35% of members are women and all the members are indigenous, smallholder farmers. The majority of the members of Manos Campesinas speak indigenous languages Mam, Quiché, T'zutujil, Sipakapense or Kaqchikel. The manager is Carlos Reynoso who serves as Vice President of Pachamama.
About
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Region: San Marcos, Retalhuleu and Solola
Farmer Owners: 1,100 families
Women Owners: 35%
Harvest: January - May
Certifications: Organic, FLO Cert., Mayacert
Featuring Manos Campesinas
Indigenous Voices
Representing a majoirty of the member owners of Manos Campesinas are the variety of indigenous groups in Guatemala, including Mam, Quiché, T'zutujil, Sipakapense or Kaqchikel . As native peoples of the land they are on, they prioritize relationships with the earth and understand the best way to cultivate and grow in harmony with nature.
Lake Atilán
This region is well known all over the world and through specialty coffee communities for producing some of the most delicious coffees. Positioned just in between Lake Atitlan and dormant volcanoes, the soil in this region creates pristine conditions and provide the perfect nutrients for growing coffee. To protect the biodiversity in the region our famer owners are committed to organic production.
Breaking Bread With Manuel
Roaster and Barista, Theo Bernados, traveled to visit famer owners at Manos Campesinas in 2019. Theo was inspired by his journey and empassioned by his responsbibilty to work for these coffee farmers back home. Transport yourself through his lens in this photo essay ¡Vamos a Mi Casa!
Youth Involvement
When we last talked with Manos Campesinas Manager Carlos Reynoso, he discussed the biggest challenge for the future of the cooperative is getting the youth involved. With low returns for coffee growers, youth search elsewhere for work. To address this, Manos Campesinas recently implemented youth-led programs to create new opportunities to engage with the cooperative and carve out a youth-led future for coffee. Pictured is Jose who works with his father as a promoter and certifications coordinator.
Beyond the Label
Found in the large forests of Central America, the Qutezal is the Guatemalan National Bird and stands out for it's brilliant colorful plumage and long feathered tail that extends more than twice the length of the bird. Like the Guatemalans, we thought there was no other image to represent the coffee. The quetzal is also the name of the currency in Guatemala, in ancient Mayan culture, the quetzal bird's tail feathers were used as currency.
Guatemala
Caterina Yac: Women Empowerment
Farmer Owner Caterina Yac discusses Pachamama Coffee, Manos Campesinas and how she is empowered by the cooperative
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