Meet COCABO

COCABO, the co-op we'll be visiting in Almirante, Bocas des Toro, was founded in 1952. It is the only Panamanian producer co-op that is certified fair trade (www.fairtrade.net) and produces 600 cubic tonnes of cocoa per year, of which 400 tonnes are certified organic. The co-op brings together approximately 1200 families, most of them Naso and Ngobe natives. In addition to cocoa, the co-op also sells pineapple and banana crops, and owns and operates five hardware stores and a small sawmill. It therefore plays a major role in the socio-economic development of its members and their communities.

Martin Van Den Borre of La Siembra visited the co-op in January 2008 and was able to meet with members to discuss the co-op's experiences after three years on the fair trade market. Co-op members shared their thoughts on the positive impact of fair trade premiums, discussing the organization's efforts to improve crop yield and quality. These efforts are financially supported by fair trade and organic premiums, as well as by Pronatec AG, La Siembra's Swiss partner, who is directly funding projects aimed at improving crop yield and quality. With training sessions on pruning, grafting and phytosanitary cocoa management, this organization is currently experiencing an intense period of growth and increasing professionalism. However, they also outlined the impact and challenges linked to the increasing price of organic cocoa.

At our meetings next week we hope to learn more about COCABO, as well as discuss various ways that La Siembra can work with COCABO to reach its objectives and achieve success in future projects.