--- Jaime Rosas Vásquez, Huatusco member

In 1992, after experiencing several unsuccessful government and development-agency projects aimed at assisting coffee producers, a group of small-scale coffee farmers in Huatusco, Mexico decided to take responsibility for lifting their community out of the extreme poverty they faced. They formed the Unión Regional de Pequeños Productores de Café (Huatusco) with the goal of collectively finding new and better ways to cultivate and market their coffee.

Huatusco was Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 1995. Thanks to its success in making a direct connection with specialty markets in the US and Europe, the cooperative now has nearly 2000 members, including over 600 women.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Unión Reg de Pequeños Productores de Café Huatusco SSS to establish various social and productive programs

Education.
Huatusco has established schools in rural areas.

Productive Investment.
The co-op expanded their processing plant by purchasing 12 de-pulping machines, two drying ovens, and several ventilators.

Environment.
The co-op created model gardens and a program that teaches members about the benefits of crop diversification. Huatusco provides technical assistance training in areas of shade-tree cultivation and terracing to prevent erosion. This is especially important as many Huatusco members' farms serve as a buffer zone for a neighboring wildlife reserve. In addition, Huatusco is expanding its organic program and has trained nearly 500 members in organic production techniques.

Credit Program.
The cooperative launched a credit program which allows it to invest in infrastructure, including local road construction and repair.

Health.
The co-op built regional clinics in several villages.