Aj Quen "It is important that when we see a weaver's product that we see the inspiration of the ancestors, the strength of a great culture. But we must also see it within the context of a social system and an economic and political order which is very unjust. One of the greatest problems is that there are plenty of people buying Guatemalan crafts who pay producers low prices and make big profits at national and international markets. For these reasons communities see the need to organize into small cooperatives to move towards a better future. Aj Quen (an organization which means "Weaving Together" in the Cakchikel language) was born as a solution. Aj Quen looks for alternative markets - people that understand the situation of the weavers, are willing to buy products at a fairer price, and who want to learn more about the problems of countries like Guatemala." Ileana Cordon, director of Aj Quen, 1992 Read more about Aj Quen Read stories from Women weavers in Guatemala talking about the value of their craft

APODIP/APROCOM Two co-operatives in the Coban region of eastern Guatemalan who together comprise the Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve Coffee Project run by ForesTrade de Guatemala. Growers are receiving better income, better access to roads, technical assistance both to improve coffee quality and also to become certified organic, and have been helped to further improve coffee quality through the installation of solar coffee dryers within their communities. Read a producer profile

CODECH An umbrella organisation of 11 groups in the town of Concepción Huista, in northwestern Guatemala. Four of these groups grow coffee, with the aim of increasing income for its members who are all either Mam or Popti’ indigenous Mayans. Read a producer profile

Guaya'b Asociacion Civil An association of coffee and honey producers in the Huehuetenango region of northwestern Guatemala. Members benefit from higher prices, technical assistance from the association’s field workers, low-interest loans, and households receive social outreach advice on topics from improving nutrition through to small business training. Read about Jose Diaz Quinones, a member of Guaya'b Read a producer profile

UPAVIM further information on UPAVIM producers