Vegexsa: Transforming Farming and Lives in Guatemala

​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.

Three years ago, 100 Kaqchikel families near Santa Maria de Jesus found a better way to earn a living with farming. They joined forces and launched Vegexsa, an association focused on growing and selling snow peas, green beans, avocados, corn, and blueberries.

With one hundred times the output of a single farmer, Vegexsa was able to land commercial customers - some from as far away as the US and Europe. As an association, farmers now have the certifications to reach distant markets and get better prices. Vegexsa not only secured higher-paying contracts but also reduced costs for its members. 
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For the women of Vegexsa, working as a cooperative has meant more than higher incomes—it’s also given them flexibility. For instance, during the despunte (the delicate process of trimming green beans’ ends), many women can now choose to work from home. This allows them to care for their children while contributing to the success of their association.​

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.​