The Manduvir\u00e1 Cooperative was founded in 1975 and is located in the village of Arroyos y Esteros in southwestern Paraguay. Life for the farmers is hard, as the region is remote and isolated and the crops are small, as are the profits. The pieces of land they own are constantly being divided into smaller and smaller portions, as families try to leave each of their sons and daughters at least one piece of land.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the support of Fairtrade, the Manduvir\u00e1 Cooperative not only has the possibility to face the challenge of getting its own organic certification, renting a factory and producing its own organic sugar, but also to establish long-term partnerships with international clientele, conquering markets with its brand (distinguished as a high quality brand). In addition, there are many other benefits for the members, their children and the whole community, such as the financing of the cooperative's projects in education, health or organic farming.<\/p>\n