For the cacao producers of ACAWAS, the key to the organization’s application for certification as a Fairtrade producer is the commitment of all its members to comply with the collective responsibilities of the association. Their experience of applying for Fairtrade certification includes orientation workshops and collective reflection with a view to ensuring that its members not only are aware of the FLO Standards but that they also assimilate the responsibilities and benefits which go with Fairtrade certification.

ACAWAS is an association of small scale farmers which currently is applying for FLO certification. Its 500 members, from 44 communities of the municipality of Waslala, and other neighboring districts are part of the disadvantaged groups most affected by the fall out from the war and socioeconomic marginalization. At present they dedicate themselves to promoting the sale of basic grain foodstuffs, vegetables, reforestation and agro-forestal systems with an emphasis on cocoa.

In February of this year (2007) they were visited by the Austrian Labelling Initiative who were accompanied by journalists from seven different media. The purpose of the visit was to develop material for promoting the sale and consumption of Fairtrade products in Austria by means of ensuring greater awareness of the socioeconomic reality of organizations such as ACAWAS, which need improved business terms to reach its development potential.

The basic minimum Standard of FLO requires the commitment of the organization to its own development, in which access to the Fairtrade marketplace should make a difference in overcoming barriers to development.

The members of ACAWAS who participated in the introductory workshops on FLO standards came to the conclusion that without a genuine commitment on the part of all members of the association, this potential for development could not be harnessed. In the words of one member, Noel Otero: “Fairtrade should not be considered merely as a vehicle for better prices but rather as an opportunity to take responsibility for our future and to improve as an organization and as a community”.

As part of the exercise the members also reflected on the most advantageous use of the FLO Premium. Some of the ideas which emerged include: the establishment of a rotating fund to support members with their productive activities; promote the capacity building of community leaders in community development; sustainable agricultural practices and integrated farm management; the creation of an educational fund for the children of the producers which at the same time could help stem the flow of migration to the cities due to lack of local opportunities. “We have a lot of dreams” states Edgar Rivera “now that we are closer to attaining the FLO certification we can think about fulfilling them”.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.