Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/491377
STiR tea & coffee industry international 51 ASPRO in La Florida is one of six local organizations represented by the regional co-operative Central de Servi- cios Cafetaleros del Nor Oriente (CE- CANOR). ASPRO represents growers in Cajamarca. There are five similar or- ganizations throughout Northern Peru and the Amazon region. Small holders are brought together to discuss issues, con- cerns and to bring forth a collective voice. Each local co-operative appoints a presi- dent to represent all their members; the hope is to give a voice to the members to work towards sustainable change. Lyva studied the struggles within the farms and how the co-operative worked collectively through both CECANOR and Fair Trade USA to find solutions. It was at one of these meetings, that board members invited Lyva to participate. This was the moment, said Lyva, where the true changes began; she became re- ally active both in her own farm and her community. Her hope was to improve the livelihoods of smallholders, and in partic- ular the women. "Before my involvement with ASPRO La Florida and CECANOR, all my sib- lings used to stay at home. We didn't have any access to any education at any level," San Miguel is located amid the breathtaking beauty of Peru's Andes Mountains Photos by James Rodriguez Fair Trade USA