--- Felipe Huaman

Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Bagua Grande (also called CAC Bagua Grande), is located in the Amazonas region of northeastern Peru. The co-op was established in 1979 in response to low prices paid by local coyotes, a lack of representation, and a lack of access to training and technical assistance. Bagua Grande has since grown to be the largest coffee cooperative in the region.

Fair Trade certified with the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) since 1998, BAGUA GRANDE has been exporting its coffee to the European Fair Trade market since 1999.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera BAGUA GRANDE to establish various social and productive programs

Productive Investment.
Bagua Grande assists farmers with the purchase of coffee depulpers and other necessary equipment through a rotating loan fund. The cooperative also invested in a centralized wet-milling facilities, for use by all members. Bagua Grande offers ongoing technical assistance to implement social and business development projects and coffee-quality improvement projects.

Environment.
The cooperative has installed solar panels for renewable energy. Bagua Grande also trains regional cooperative leaders on organic certification standards, so that they may perform internal inspections.

Credit Program.
The cooperative provides pre-harvest financing to all farmers, and loans for maintaining farmland.

Health.
Bagua Grande devotes 25% of the Fair Trade premium towards a healthcare program known as ESSALUD. The cooperative pays 50% of the cost of healthcare for its farmer members.