UCPCO - Unión de Cooperativas Productores de Café Orgánico

Since 1991 the Unión de Cooperativas Multifuncional Productoras de Café (UCPCO) has been dedicated to producing and selling high-quality organic coffee while supporting the organizational and community development of its five member cooperatives. Although the Madriz, Nicaragua-based group faced initial challenges from unsupportive governmental policies regarding cooperatives, the decision to become a Fair Trade Certified cooperative in 1994 strengthened UCPCO’s connections to the international market allowing them to sell more coffee at better prices. As organic producers, UCPCO members place great importance on protecting the environment, upholding sustainable agricultural practices and earning fair coffee prices that enable the cooperative to stand by its mission of organic agriculture. In addition, the quality of life for UCPCO’s 318 farmers (218 men and 100 women) has significantly improved since earning Fair Trade Certification. UCPCO ensures honesty and transparency in all relations, democratic participation from its members, and solidarity between the organization, community and individual farmers. They are located in the San Juan del Río Coco region of Northern-Central Nicaragua, approximately six hours from the capital. In the fertile mountains of the Río Coco region, UCPCO farmers are growing high-quality coffee and earning Fair Trade and Organic price premiums for their efforts.