Our Co-op

Our Mission, Goals & Guiding Principles

Mission

To offer high-quality Fair Trade Certified organic products that improve the livelihoods of family farmers and the well-being of communities at home and abroad.

Goals

In order to accomplish this we strive to:

  • Be a leading North American Fair Trade organization
  • Offer consumers premium quality, Fair Trade Certified organic products
  • Improve the livelihoods of producer partners and the well-being of communities
  • Engage and educate consumers about the benefits of Fair Trade, organics and the co-operative model

Co-operative Guiding Principles

We also follow the 7 guiding principles listed below, which are integral to La Siembra’s daily operations.

Fair Trade: La Siembra promotes trading partnerships based on fairness, dialogue, transparency and respect in order to pursue greater equity in international trade.
Healthy Communities: La Siembra supports sustainable community development through a commitment to organic/shade grown sourcing and Fair Trade practices.
Inter Co-operation: La Siembra prioritizes partnerships with other co-operatives at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Open Membership: Membership is voluntary and non-discriminatory.
Democratic Control:  Every member has one vote.
Economic Participation:  Every member contributes equitably to the co-operative and participates in the democratic control of the co-op’s social capital.
Independence: La Siembra is an autonomous organization controlled by its members.