Cooperativism is a socio-economic doctrine that promotes the organization of people to meet their needs together, based on their own efforts and mutual help.

A cooperative is a non-profit and democratic organization that is governed by values that regulate the life of the cooperative, under 7 main principles:

• Open and voluntary membership.                                         • Democratic control by associates.                                         • Economic participation of associates.                                         • Autonomy and independence.

• Education, training and information                                          • Cooperation between cooperatives.                                         • Commitment with the community.

It is common for cooperatives to organize themselves as a defense against activities that distort profitable intermediation.

In Costa Rica there are 887,335 cooperative members who trust in this model of social economy, being 21% of the national population. There are 860,843 adults, 26,492 minors from all over the country, who live the principles and values of cooperativism, according to the data of the IV National Cooperative Census 2012.

Our cooperative is characterized by having high parameters of quality in its processes, final products and management models friendly to the environment and social commitment, which is why it currently has the following certifications and awards that demonstrate it:

• Grecia Brand: Cantonal brand promoted by the Local Government of the Canton of Grecia to highlight its companies, its attractions and its people in the minds of tourists and investors.

• RAINFOREST: international certification of good environmental management of agricultural farms.

• COSTA RICA ESSENTIAL: This is the country brand for Costa Rica, it is the way in which is projected to the world to promote its products and services of high quality, sustainability, excellence, innovation and others.

 For coffee, there is an international quality certification in the production processes and final product.

Food safety risk management throughout the supply chain.

• FAIR TRADE: international certification that stipulates compliance parameters such as: fair payment to producers, and workers, adequate use of agrochemicals, environmental protection, compliance with social guarantees, prohibition of child labor, commitment to the community, among others.

• C.A.F.E Practices: This program seeks to promote the sustainable quality of green coffee, the social and environmental sustainability of producers and thus commercialize with Starbucks Coffee Company.

Comercio Justo – Fairtrade

COMERCIO JUSTO – FAIRTRADE

Fair Trade (Comercio Justo) is an international certification that promotes good socio-environmental practices and puts people at the center of production.

It is important for the organization because it allows a socially and environmentally responsible management system, which in turn allows access to differentiated markets that value sustainable agriculture.

USE OF THE PRIZE

When placing products under the Fairtrade seal (coffee and sugar) in international markets, associates receive a prize (or premium) that is used for different activities such as the following: