Asociación
Civil Guaya'b is a coffee cooperative located in the Huehuetenango
region of Guatemala. The cooperative currently consists of 330 members,
316 of whom are indigenous. Formally established in 1998, Guaya'b began
selling to the Fair Trade market in 2000. The sales made by Guaya'b have
brought stability to the cooperative and have enabled members to meet
their basic needs. With the Fair Trade price, Guaya'b farmers have
increased their own earnings and reinvested a portion of their profits
into the community. As a result, the region’s economy is more stable and
the rate of migration has decreased. Guaya'b cooperative members voted
to finance medical insurance for members and their families with Fair
Trade premiums. The cooperative offers womens' programs focusing on
female nutrition, and work and business training. This coffee is also
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Certified.