Cooperativa Integral Agrícola Chicoj is a cooperative of producers who began growing coffee more than 40 years ago to supply the regional coop FEDECOVERA, and to obtain better market access and pricing together. The producer members participate voluntarily to contribute to the cooperative, which then processes the coffee and provides other resources to its members.
The farms where the members grow coffee are owned by the cooperative. An aggressive attack of coffee rust was a significant event for the cooperative, leading to the renewal of the cooperative's coffee plants, promoting varieties that are tolerant and resistant to rust.
Going forward, the co-op hopes to make improvements in their production systems by implementing better spacing, irrigation systems, organic fertilisation, homeopathy, soil health, and use of microorganisms. In terms of post-harvest innovation, they'd like to implement the use of better energy- and time-efficient fans.
The cooperative has 7 certifications, including Organic Certification and Fairtrade. In order to have a competitive advantage and access to specialised market niches, the co-op maintains its commitment to the sustainable production of coffee for its customers without neglecting the natural resources necessary for the survival of future generations.