Meet the Coffee Farmers We Buy from in Pichinaki, Peru Cooperative Pangoa in Pichinaki, Peru was founded by its original 50 members in 1977. Today, its 600 members, along with its team of directors, technicians and employees are working hard to compete in a complicated international market. Management of the cooperative is under the control of the Junta Directiva. The Directiva consists of fifteen members elected by the socios. There is a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as a Managing Director and an extended team of local technicians. Pangoa Cooperative is actively involved in promoting the social and economic welfare of its members. Some five years ago, the cooperative initiated its organic program to teach members of best organic practices as well as helping community groups to understand all internal and external inspection norms. Pangoa has promoted the diversification of production, with cocoa production in lower elevations, honey production and also promotes specific activities, such as Credit, Womenıs Activities, Production and Processing and local energy production. The local Energy Committee manages the hydroelectric facility they were able to construct in the area in 1995 with support from European aid. During the 1980's it was difficult to work cooperatively due to the Shining Path and military violence in the area. Nevertheless, Pangoa persevered. And now during this era of relative calm, Pangoa has flourished ­ growing into a vibrant, developing cooperative thanks to the faith and determination of its members. Check out the August 2006 issue of Fair Grounds to read about our recent visit to Pangoa.