La Siembra Co-operative was founded in 1999 with the goal of re-connecting consumers with farmers in a sustainable manner. We buy our organic ingredients from producers according to audited Fair Trade principles, at a fair price that supports the livelihoods of our producer partners. We are committed to the highest ethical and environmental standards in bringing you some of the finest Fair Trade Certified and organic products on the market.

Our name La Siembra means 'sowing' or 'planting time’ in Spanish. It is also a symbol for the seeds of change that our co-operative is sowing through its Fair Trade, educational and co-operative activities.

Worker Co-op Structure

We have chosen to identify with our producer partners by adopting the same democratic, participatory and transparent model that they follow in their own co-operatives. We are a worker co-operative, which means that employees are also members-owners of the co-op and participate democratically in the operation of the company. Membership is open and voluntary and requires that workers (a) invest in the co-op financially and (b) participate in its governance. Member-owners each have a vote in member meetings, are entitled to run for board elections and have the opportunity to participate in key organizational decisions.  

The worker co-op model is an essential and effective element of a sustainable economy, This model also demonstrates that equitable business practices can help to build better communities for producers and consumers alike.

Co-op Memberships

La Siembra Co-operative is a member of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation (OWCF), On Co-op, The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) and the Conseil de la coopération de l’Ontario (CCO). Co-operative trade relations account for more than 70% of our purchases and close to 50% of our total sales.

Read more:
Our Mission, Goals & Guiding Principles
Our Story
Our Team
Our Commitment to the Environment