ISMAM - Indígenas de la Sierra Madre de Motozintla

In 1985, Mayan farmers from more than 100 rural communities in the diocese of Sierra Madre de Chiapas, came together to form the cooperative Indígenas de la Sierra Madre de Motozintla (ISMAM). Theirs was an incredible effort to fight against the grinding poverty and exploitation threatening their families. They worked together to address common needs for technical assistance, processing equipment and direct market access. Today, an estimated 8,000 family members benefit from the organization’s accomplishments and commitment to Fair Trade. Farmers are receiving higher incomes for their cocoa and coffee, and families are staying together, helping preserve their unique indigenous culture, traditions and environment. ISMAM has been Fair Trade Certified™ since 1989.