--- Raúl Gutiérrez

Campesinos Ecológicos de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas (CESMACH) is a coffee cooperative located in the southern highlands of Chiapas within the buffer zone of the El Triunfo Biosphere. El Triunfo is an area of great ecological importance because it contains two of the most complex and beautiful ecosystems in the world: the cloud forest and the tropical rain forest. El Triunfo’s unique ecosystems are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species considered rare or in danger of extinction.

CESMACH members are deeply committed to sustainable agricultural practices that prevent the encroachment of agriculture into the biosphere and the disturbance of natural resources within its boundaries. CESMACH was Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 2001.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Campesinos Ecológicos de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas SC to establish various social and productive programs

Education.
CESMACH has established a fund to provide school supplies to members' children.

Productive Investment.
Access to credit has allowed the co-op to finance the construction of a cupping laboratory, a coffee storage shed, and a meeting hall. Members are provided with training in sustainable agricultural methods, organic production, and quality control.

Environment.
CESMACH was awarded the 2003 Ecological Merit Award by the Mexican government for its efforts to protect endangered plant species. The co-op is currently working on converting all production to organic methods.

Credit Program.
CESMACH's members have been able to pay off their debts and make necessary improvements to their homes, thanks to the higher price they receive for the coffee from Fair Trade sales. CESMACH also offers 100% pre-harvest financing for its members, assuring that the farmers have the resources they need to produce high quality coffee.