 Thirteen years ago, 840 cattle raisers across 39 cooperatives in the Mixe region of Oaxaca came together to form Renacimiento Mixe—a cooperative designed to provide financial inclusion and stability for Indigenous communities. Over that time, and with the support of a government-backed loan program, the organization disbursed nearly $6 million in loans, helping farmers sustain their livelihoods while supporting economic development in communities with high migration rates. But suddenly, that support was cut without warning. These hardworking farmers were left in a precarious position. Without access to financing, they couldn’t afford livestock feed, maintain their herds, or continue production. Many were at risk of losing their farms and their livelihoods. To keep supporting its members, Renacimiento Mixe needed more funding—more than what The Reciprocity Fund typically provides.
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Although farmers in Guatemala primarily grow staple crops such as maize or beans, the country’s fertile soil and temperate climate have made it an ideal growing environment for blackberries as well. Last year Guatemala was the second-largest exporter of blackberries to the U.S. However, growing blackberries and making a living from blackberries are two very different propositions. A successful berry business requires coolers for storage, efficient transportation, year-round supply and contacts with wholesale buyers. Farmers with just an acre or two of land aren’t viable players in this competitive market. But when they band together the calculus changes.  Flor de Mora is a 15-year old blackberry cooperative that started with 20 indigenous blackberry farmers from the small town of San José Poaquil in the Chimaltenango department who came together to improve their outcomes in the market. 95% of their town’s population of 20,000 belong to the Maya-Kaqchikel group, speak the Kaqchikel language, and rely on agriculture for their livelihood. However, 65% of the residents live in poverty as distance, low literacy levels and a history of military repression have made it difficult for farmers to access markets and for the town to invite industry.  Flor de Mora manages a collection center in the community where they run quality control checks, pack the berries, and store berries in a cold room until ready for shipment. With the pooled resources of the cooperative, Flor de Mora blackberries are reaching buyers in Guatemala City and as far away as the United States.  Flor de Mora has grown its membership to 100 Maya Kaqchikel families who are paid weekly for their regular deliveries to the collection center. The enterprise also generates part-time jobs for youth who assist with collection and packing. While other Guatemalan towns are losing their young people to the city and emigration, San José Poaquil remains vibrant and hopeful. Reciprocity Fund extended a $60,000 loan to enable the cooperative to buy packaging in bulk and to promptly pay the indigenous families that grow and harvest the berries.  Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are market days in Santa María de Jesús, a town of 20,000 in Guatemala’s highlands. Farmers from the surrounding countryside transport their harvest to town any way they can. Some have their own trucks, but most travel by bus in the hopes of turning their fresh produce into cash. It’s a tough way to earn a living—and an inefficient one. Time spent selling at the market means time away from the farm and family. It also means fierce competition, high transportation costs, and unnecessary food waste.
With a $30,000 loan from The Reciprocity Fund, Vegexsa now has the capital to purchase substantially more produce from its farmers. This funding enables Vegexsa to continue creating opportunities for Indigenous farmers, helping them build sustainable livelihoods while also preserving their environment and traditions.
This investment is not just about growing a business—it enables Vegexsa to continue creating opportunities for Indigenous farmers, helping them build sustainable livelihoods while also preserving their environment and traditions. Spread the word about Vegexsa’s impact and how The Reciprocity Fund is empowering businesses like theirs. Vegexsa’s story is just one example of how The Reciprocity Fund partners with Indigenous farmers and social enterprises to create lasting change. Learn how you can support and engage with our work here. |
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