In a quick few days we’ve worked on preparations for a water project in the highland community of Chichilton, trekked to the top of a mountain to speak to the municipality of Chenalho via the Las Abejas radio station Chanul Pom, and had a great meeting with representatives from the co-op to discuss a plethora of topics about this year’s harvest. With Monika Firl from Cooperative Coffees in tow, President Jose Vasquez - an old friend who came to the U.S. with us on a speaking tour a couple years ago- sat down and also signed contracts for 4 containers. Jose is coming back to the U.S. this May for a long visit and follow up on his past visit.

We also discussed Higher Grounds social premium of $2,800 given to the co-op in recognition of the deep partnership we have with the co-op. Many visits to the co-op have continually reminded us that our success is intricately related to theirs. As such we are providing a yearly bonus of $.15 per pound above the beyond fair trade price for all coffee we purchase from the co-op. This year the co-op has decided to fix their 3 ton truck which will allow them to travel to the various growing communities that make up the community to collect coffee. By doing so they will be communicating more regularly with the members and eliminate a costly expense for producers – delivering coffee to the co-op.

Maya Vinic is a great example of a cooperative that is working toward vertical integration. The nearly 500 growers own their own bodega, processing center and have a small roasting facility. Not bad for being in the coffee export business for just 7 years! All coffees that don’t pass through the processing plant as export grade are returned to their roastery where they throw them in their 30 pound roaster for use in their national market. Distributors in Merida and Mexico City sell the beans under the brand “Maya Vinic” to restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels throughout the country.