Guatemala Huehue SHB EP FTO SMBC - Guaya'b Coop (FLO ID 876) *TOP LOT*

Asociación Civil Guaya'b is a coffee cooperative located in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala. The cooperative currently consists of 330 members, 316 of whom are indigenous. Formally established in 1998, Guaya'b began selling to the Fair Trade market in 2000. The sales made by Guaya'b have brought stability to the cooperative and have enabled members to meet their basic needs. With the Fair Trade price, Guaya'b farmers have increased their own earnings and reinvested a portion of their profits into the community. As a result, the region’s economy is more stable and the rate of migration has decreased. Guaya'b cooperative members voted to finance medical insurance for members and their families with Fair Trade premiums. The cooperative offers womens' programs focusing on female nutrition, and work and business training. This coffee is also Smithsonian Migratory Bird Certified.