Yochin Tayel K'inal ('Entering into the Land' in Tseltal) will function as an alternative marketplace for small coffee farmers and foster economic independence for indigenous peoples in Chiapas.
Small coffee farmers in Chiapas are struggling to survive. The price of coffee has plummeted in recent years and these farmers are completely dependent on middlemen who purchase their coffee at prices below market value. For over 800 coffee farmers, this cooperative will ensure the farmers a fair price for their coffee and eliminate their dependence on middlemen. The cooperative will form relationships with Fair Trade and organic associations in 2004 to gain access to international markets.
Funds will construct a store & warehouse, create a revolving fund to purchase corn, beans, honey & seeds from local farmers, & help complete the cooperative certification process, as well as provide trainings in organic agriculture & business skills.
Yochin Tayel K´inal plans to primarily serve local coffee farmers as a cooperative that will allow these farmers to earn money. It plans to expand in 2003-2004 to include corn, beans, and honey farmers.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
