--- Jiménez Ocaña Julia, Frontera San Ignacio Member

The cooperative Frontera San Ignacio was founded in 1968 by a Jesuit Priest and 90 associate founders, in order to eliminate the intermediaries and obtain better prices. The producers were tired of the abuses committed by coyotes, who received the bulk of the profits for re-selling coffee that they themselves did not produce.

Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) in 2001, Frontera San Ignacio directly exports its coffee to international markets.

The Fair Trade price has enabled Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera "Frontera de San Ignacio" LTD to establish various social and productive programs

Education.
A communal fund channels money to farmers' families to subsidize education. This scholarship allows some students to continue to attend school even during harvest months of March and April.

Productive Investment.
Frontera San Ignacio established the School of Leaders and Coordinators, and recruited engineers and technical specialists to teach improved agricultural techniques to cooperative members in local Field Schools. Frontera San Ignacio invest in post-harvest production equipment. Quality improvements and increased productivity have improved member incomes and their living conditions.

Environment.
The cooperative holds an Organic Certification fund, to promote the certification of its members' farms.

Health.
The cooperative members contribute to a health fund that permits all members and their families to receive treatment and even borrow cash during times of illness.