ACOPAGRO - Cooperativa Agraria Cacaotera Acopagro Ltda

Cooperativa Agraria Cacaotera Acopagro Ltda. (ACOPAGRO) is a cocoa producer located in the San Martín region of Peru. It was formed in 1992 amid a socioeconomic crisis caused by the cultivation of cocoa and the presence of armed groups. The association was initially funded by the United Nations' cocoa cultivation program as a response to the crisis. In 1997, 27 producers formally established the cooperative. Today, ACOPAGRO has over 1,800 members spanning four different provinces in the San Martín state. It works to promote cocoa cultivation, ensure market stability and raise income levels and product quality for farmers. Although family revenues depend largely on the sale of cocoa, members also raise animals for consumption and additional sales. Amongst the community's greatest challenges is access to sanitary services (particularly clean drinking water), educational opportunities for children and adequate health care. The cooperative sought Fair Trade certification for these reasons, using Fair Trade premiums to directly overcome these needs. ACOPAGRO has been improving its technical capacity, productivity and social inclusion through research and consistent training. The cooperative is considered one of the best models of the Alternative Development program in Peru. It has been awarded high honors in specialty markets for its quality cocoa. In 2000, ACOPAGRO gained organic certification on 60 percent of its products. They became Fair Trade Certified™ in 2004.