The first farmer-owned exporter of
quality coffee in Haïti
RECOCARNO is the Réseau des Coopératives
Caféières de la Région Nord
(the Network of Northern Coffee-Growing Cooperatives).
The Network of High Quality
Small Coffee Farmers' Cooperatives
in North and North East Haïti.
RECOCARNO is a Union of 8 Cooperatives located in the North
and North-East of Haïti, representing more than 5000 members
who grow coffee on small-scale farms (ranging between 0.5
and 2 hectares). Coffee farming is labour intensive and usually
involves the entire family. Processing the coffee until it
is ready for export or domestic consumption is undertaken
on a co-operative basis and the entire coffee
life-cycle is actively managed by RECOCARNO in accordance
with Fairtrade
principles.
RECOCARNO is a learning organisation, constantly benefiting
from previous experience, and this has resulted in sustainable
growth in both the volume and quality of its organic, gourmet,
and conventional coffee. There remains significant untapped
potential, for coffee and also for cocoa production and there
are some promising new areas, particularly if the condition
of the roads
can be improved. Very solid progress continues to be made
despite the normal difficulties in this poorest nation in
the western hemisphere and the crises
brought about by the security situation and the the effects
of tropical storms and hurricane such as Jeanne in September
2004.
RECOCARNO offers real, sustainable hopes for the future and
you are warmly invited to contact
RECOCARNO to discuss any interest, particularly as a potential
buyer, donor or other partner organisation.
Without RECOCARNO, coffee farmers in North and North-East
Haïti:
Would get a derisory return for their efforts and quality
coffee.
Could not reach the world’s export markets directly.
Would have no access to the Fairtrade market.
Would not benefit from Fairtrade standards of:
- Democracy, transparency and social equity;
- Environmental protection and sustainability;
- Quality.
Would not receive the training to develop their skills and
capabilities.
Without RECOCARNO, members’ families:
Would have poor access to education.
Would live in more impoverished communities.
RECOCARNO has been a member of the Fairtrade Labeling Organization
(FLO) since 1997 and produces high-quality washed Arabica coffee principally
for the Fairtrade markets of Europe and Japan, selling coffee directly to foreign buyers at the Fairtrade Premium price.
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