In 2005, we began trading with CAC Pangoa, in Peru. Our intentions were to find a co-operative using the FLO model in South America, who had demonstrated success in pairing capacity building initiatives and quality coffee. Since 2005, we have purchased 7 containers of coffee, and have been execptionally proud of the work CAC Pangoa continues to do in the coffee growing region.
LGT purchases coffee directly from CAC Pangoa, a 700+ member co-operative. Of their members less then 10% are organic farmers. Level Ground purchases solely from these organic farmers.
Trading Partner
Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa (CAC) Pangoa
Partnership Established
2005
Background of Organization
CAC Pangoa is a progressive organization, with strength in leadership, gender equality and innovation. They mill, sort, grade and export coffee.
Location
Selva Central region near San Martin de Pangoa, Peru
Type of Organization
Co-op
Certifications
Fair Trade Certified by FLO (ID 920) and Organic certified by OCIA
Farmer Profile
Farmers are small-scale. Approximately fifteen percent of the farmers selling to CAC Pangoa are indigenous. The main source of income for many of the farmers is coffee, but other products such as honey and cocoa are being produced for market.
Area
Located in the Selva Central region near San Martin de Pangoa
Altitude
1,000-2,000m
Harvest
April through August
Species
Coffea arábica
Variety
Bourbon, Caturra, Catimor, Caturai, Pache, Typica
Shade Grown
Some shade growing practices
Direct Fair Trade Premiums
Fair Trade premiums have gone towards projects including: cocoa and honey production, ecotourism to supplement coffee production, domestic sales of roasted coffee, educational fund for members to borrow money to pay for children's university fees, a medical fund allowing members' to borrow money for medical needs, shade growing initiatives, improving members living standards, developing individual wet processing plants and drying stations, and funeral cost fund.
