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Description
The Coobafrio Co-operative was set up in the late 1990s in order to have a better negotiation position
when negotiating with buyers. In 2011, the Co-Operative became Fairtrade certified.
The growth of palm oil encouraged or pushed many farmers from other alimentation plantations to
sell their farms and crops to other farmers or big business; or convert plantations of products such as
banana into palm oil plantations. The farmers that did not sell their plantations joined the cooperative.
Creating the cooperative the farmers gained higher negotiating power and continue with their
plantations, not sell them.
The cooperative Coobafrio produce approximately 4,000 tonnes of bananas each year, being two-thirds
as Fairtrade product. The funds are obtained by selling at a minimum price that covers the cost of
production and includes an additional $1 for each box that is sold. The additional amount is reinvested
in the development of the communities, among others.
Due to the implementation of Fairtrade standards, the farmers followed a more sustainable path
implementing, for instance, measures to protect water sources and use water efficiently, waste
recycling and reforestation programs. Furthermore, farmers eliminate or use the limited necessary
amount of agro-chemicals.
Major achievements
The main achievements of Coobafrio are the following:
- Implementation of Fairtrade standards and practices, and a sustainable development.
- Fairtrade standards for ensuring the quality and competitiveness of Coofabrio’s bananas in interna-
tional markets.
- Development and help for rural communities.
- Financial contribution to members’ Social Security payments.
- Healthcare projects.
- The Education Fund has helped 82% of members pay for school fees and other costs.
- The Emergency Fund to support members in the event of natural disasters.
