The Cooperative of Coffee Farmers of Cauca (Caficauca) is a cooperative in the department of Cauca that supports its members in building a better future through coffee instead of coca. Caficauca started in 1961 when 297 farmers met in the central park of Popayán, Cauca’s capital. They wanted to find a better price for their coffee and believed they would be stronger if they worked together. Today, the co-op has over 3,200 members and buys coffee from more than 44,000 small-scale producers across 24 towns in the region.
Caficauca supports its members to replace coca plants with coffee. Coca can be a common way to earn a living, it also can bring violence and fear to communities. The coop also supports women and young producers in the region. Nearly one-third of the members are women, and many are involved in leadership roles. Caficauca is also working to keep young people in coffee by showing it can offer a real future. Through training in quality control, cupping, entrepreneurship, and more, they’re helping the next generation find new opportunities in the industry.
