Cuba

There are many positive stories from people here which show how Fairtrade has benefitted them. One example is that of Osvaldo Valdez, president of the Cuban fruit growing co-operative Carlos Rodriguez Careaga. He has been involved in the co-op movement since the revolution in 1959, and can’t believe what a difference Fruit Passion and the Fairtrade premium has made to their lives and their work.

Perhaps his favourite project of recent years is the electric irrigation system, which has had a huge impact on the way they are able to grow their fruit. Before this, they had to use diesel pumps to run the system and for at least 15 years, diesel had been very hard to come by so they pretty much relied on nature (rain!) Another key thing the Fairtrade premium has been spent on at the co-op is an office and a computer, which has made all the admin at the co-op so much simpler.

Osvaldo – Co-operative (CCS)  Carlos Rodriguez Careaga