Producer Profiles

CEPICAFE - Central Piurana de Cafetaleros

Central Piurana de Cafetaleros (CEPICAFE) is an association of 90 small-scale coffee cooperatives formed in 1995 in the Piura region of northwestern Peru. Before becoming Fair Trade Certified™ in 1996, the local farmers sold their coffee to local intermediaries at extremely low prices, causing many farm workers to leave the region in search of additional work.

The cooperative aims to improve the quality of life of coffee-growing families and is an important contributor to the sustainable development of the region. It became Fair Trade Certified in order to access international markets on a level where farmers would be paid fairly for their product. CEPICAFE prides itself in the direct level of participation and autonomy that its members hold in decisions involving the cooperative.
 

Quotable

“

When a family member gets sick and has to go to the emergency room, we go to the CEPICAFE committee for a loan. This is a very important resource in the countryside because we do not have health insurance.  ”

Adela Alberca, co-operative member
“

Now that our product is of high quality, we are able to sell it at better prices and provide a better quality of life for our families.  ”

Bernabe Rivera, co-operative member
“

We use natural, locally found resources for fertilization. We also use the pulp of coffee for compost as well as a natural products for pest control.  ”

Roeli Guerrero, member

Programs

Funerary Fund

This cumulative fund has been growing for many years now, with contributions made from premiums received by CEPICAFE. Around $200 are allotted to each member to be used on funerary expenses, if and when the need were to arise. This fund allows the families of the deceased to have additional support to help bury their loved one.

Board of Directors Fund

Part of the premiums received by CEPICAFE go to a fund that allows the Board of Directors to continuously improve the functionality of the organization, as well as strengthen their relationships with members. Board Members use part of these funds to visit communities where they can meet with members and listen to their concerns, suggestions, and gather pertinent information about their supply. The Board is also able to use part of these funds to organize events to bring all members together to have meetings and conferences.

Coop Infrastructure Improvements

This ongoing program invests part of the premiums received by CEPICAFE into improving the cooperative's infrastructure. Warehouses have been expanded, computers have been purchased and other building improvements have been made. These projects have all improved the overall efficiency and productivity of the cooperative and increased the quality control of the coffee produced by members.