The farms of the 106 members of COCASAM (Cooperativa Cafetalera Sanmarqueña) are located in the moutains outside of San Marcos de Colon, in southern Honduras. The co-op borders the Botija National Preserve where the farms serve as a buffer zone for its conservation. In these mountains the coffee grows at an elevation range of 1200-1700 m, covered by shade trees, such as pine, with rich biodiversity. The Cooperative has been certified organic since 2002, with 100% of their production organic. Sixteen small coffee producers founded the cooperative in 1988. Since then, it has grown over the years with a goal of improving the livelihoods of their members, with a special focus on projects and services for women producers.
We exclusively purchase women-produced lots from COCASAM. As a partner of the cooperative for the past ten years, we are the largest buyer of these coffees. We have seen first-hand the impact of supporting women farmers in the local community. As part of our long-term relationship with COCASAM, we have donated additional funds to the co-op. For example, these funds supported renovation of farms and building coffee nurseries for farmers most affected by leaf rust disease in the mid 2010’s. Our partnership Cocasam is strong. Purchasing these coffees year after year maintains a consistent supply of quality beans for Organic Café La Dueña. But more importantly, it ensures a longer-term market for the women growers of COCASAM.