Description
Don Fermin of the Cordova Colunche family is one of the patriarchs from COOPAFSI. He was one of the first members. Fermin and his 13 children all contribute to coffee production, especially during the peak of the harvest. They are pioneers in their base for using soil analysis to understand what organic materials and nutrients must be added to the fertilizers to maintain a healthy farm. To produce additional income, the Colunche family also grows fruits and vegetables, bread and they also have bees to produce honey. They are well known in the base of San Pedro and they always welcome visitors and other families/producers with open arms.
COOPAFSI (Cooperative Agraria “Frontera San Ignacio” Ltda) was officially established in June 1969. Gender equality was an important factor when the land was purchased and divided among producers. This particular cooperative is unique because they empower and promote “women grown” coffee. These women contribute to the physical and sensory quality of the coffee. They are always managing new projects and developing new ways to improve the lives of their families. They focus their efforts on improving quality and delivering consistent coffee to different markets. In 2016, a committee of women was created by the cooperative and they are responsible for distributing loans which will enable producers to improve their own land while also taking part in new developments for their kitchens, crafts and livestock. They also created a computer lab which allows all members to stay up to date with modern technology.
