--- Miguel Trigoso, APARM Marketing Manager

Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios Rodríguez de Mendoza (APARM) is a coffee cooperative located in the Amazonas region of northeastern Peru. APARM was founded in 1990 by a small group of coffee farmers who hoped to achieve a higher standard of living by working together. Before this time they received extremely low prices for their coffee. Since becoming Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 1998, the co-op has been able to export all of its coffee directly instead of through a third party.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Cooperativa de Productores Agropecuarios Rodriguez de Mendoza to establish various social and productive programs

Education.
APARM supports education by providing new classrooms, computers, and supplies for local schools.

Environment.
Co-op members plant trees to create shade for coffee plants.

Credit Program.
Pre-harvest credit is available to members, helping them to stay financially independent.

Health.
The co-op established an emergency relief fund for members’ medical care.

Transportation Improvements.
APARM has made improvements to local roads in need of repair.