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La FEM
Fast Facts on La FEM
Founded in 1996
Region: Estelí
Members: 132 Growers divided into four cooperatives
Coffee: Smooth, mellow, light
Annual Assembly: end of October
La Fundación Entre Mujeres (La FEM)
Dedicated to more than just growing and exporting coffee, La FEM (Foundation between Women) is a dynamic female-led cooperative committed to selling quality Fair Trade coffee while simultaneously supporting and promoting women`s rights. The cooperative is located east of Managua in the department of Estelí where much of the land is devoted to tobacco production and largely controlled by male producers. La FEM consists of four smaller cooperatives, each managed by its own Directiva (female director). Fiercely independent and determined to succeed in the coffee industry, the 132-member cooperative has made much progress since their founding in 1996, both in terms of coffee sales as well as the promotion of issues such as women`s education and health.
Under the direction of the Development Committee, La FEM is engaged in community development projects primarily focused on issues concerning women. Many of the women living in the department of Estelí are lacking in basic education and health care. In Condega, one of the six 
municipalities of Estelí, La FEM has established an ``alternative`` school where young women are encouraged to take up traditionally male-dominated trades such as carpentry, welding, construction, etc. Not only does this form of education teach them useful skills, it enables the women to gain independence from the men and create employment opportunities for themselves. In addition to their special projects, the Development Committee explores political topics and writings, often analyzing the legitimacy of Fair Trade and where it stands in a market dominated by neoliberal principles.
Coffee production is a traditional form of agriculture in Estelí but the use of chemical fertilizers for easing mass production has taken over older methods of production. La FEM, however, has maintained their efforts in organic methods. One collective of women in the Cope Mujeres owns a common piece of land, dividing the work and income equally. Since their inception, many of these collectives have received prices comparable to Fair Trade prices. Before becoming a producer partner with Cooperative Coffees, La FEM was already exporting coffee to a German group under fair trade terms. However, they were disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm on the buyers` part to co-partner with them in an initiative to go beyond selling coffee. Clearly, these women are invested in more than just the beans.
After a successful visit to La FEM, Just Coffee`s Matt and Mike returned from Nicaragua raving about this relatively small but undoubtedly determined cooperative. The roasters heard about the group from Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua (WCCN) and decided to make a trip to explore a bit more. CoopCoffees started importing from La FEM in 2007 and has since then exported around 60,000 lbs. of Fair Trade, organic coffee. The partnership is a perfect match as La FEM`s members were interested in a small operation that fit their social concerns and they were opposed to selling FT coffee to mega-chains such as Walmart or Starbucks. Beginning a relationship with this exciting group was thus a natural decision for CoopCoffees.
In May 2008, La FEM member and farmer Jitzy Centeno Ruiz flew up to Minneapolis from Jocote, Nicaragua to meet CoopCoffees roasters and participate in the SCAA. She underwent a five week internship with Just Coffee, learning all about the roasting process and cafe industry in hopes of being able to start her own cafe in Estelí. To read more about Jitzy's time in the US, check out Just Coffee's website. Both the roasters at Just Coffee as well as the greater CoopCoffees body hope to maintain such a mutually beneficial relationship with La FEM in the future!
