Cecosprocaes

Central de Cooperativas de Productores de Cafés Especiales (CECOSPROCAES) is a parent organization operating out of Jinotega, Nicaragua that oversees six individual cooperatives, providing them with administrative services and technical support. They were awarded the distinction of the country’s most promising first-time coffee exporter by the Producers and Exporters Association of Nicaragua, and are a certified Fair Trade organization through FLO-CERT.

Through CECOSPROCAES, SEG loaned $1,000 to the cooperative América Unida (United America). América Unida used the funds to establish a “general store” in a rural town outside of Jinotega where small-producers can both buy farming supplies and sell their products to the community. Prior to the creation of this “general store,” farmers had to travel up to 25 miles to do business. Now, these farmers can sell their products to members of their own community, not only earning more themselves, but also offering their goods at lower prices. In addition to produce, the “general store” provides the greater community local access to competitively priced items like soap, oil, cleaning agents and snacks.

References/News Mentions:
Catholic Relief Services
Al-Invest (Spanish)
BBC Mundo (Spanish)