Introducing the first cohort of Everyone's Business programme!
Meet the 11 social enterprises contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful Sweden.
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70%
Supports Indigenous farmers in Colombia to earn fair income through artisanal dairy production rooted in sustainable practices and community values.
In Cauca, Colombia, Indigenous communities have faced rural poverty and difficulty finding fair markets for their products for many years. Ongoing armed conflict has made life even harder, disrupting daily routines and making it difficult for families to earn a steady income.
30%
Location
Silvia, Cauca, Colombia
Programme
South America Accelerator Programme
in partnership with NESsT
Silvia, Cauca, Colombia
Programme
South America Accelerator Programme
in partnership with NESsT
Many smallholder farmers, especially Indigenous families, have trouble getting fair prices for their crops and often struggle to find good jobs or sustainable farming methods.
In 1984, families from the Indigenous Resguardo de Pitayó in Silvia founded Coopitayó, a cooperative rooted in their traditions and values. Their goal was to create better opportunities for their community by making artisanal, sustainable dairy products. Today, 65 Indigenous smallholder families are members of Coopitayó. They work together to provide fresh milk and take part in programmes that support their social, environmental, and economic well-being.
The cooperative also runs a small community store and an agroecological demonstration farm. They make cheeses and yogurts using traditional methods and do not use preservatives. By using sustainable livestock practices and planting trees near their cattle, Coopitayó helps restore the soil and protect water sources.
Coopitayó ensures its milk suppliers earn 15 to 35 percent more than the typical market price. Profits are reinvested in the community, supporting microcredit and welfare programmes that help local farmers improve their farms and build a more secure future. All employees are members of the Indigenous community and receive formal contracts and wages that lift them out of poverty.
By making cheeses and yoghurts using traditional methods, local knowledge, and without preservatives, Coopitayó has become part of Colombia’s growing market for artisanal and sustainable dairy products.
Programme support
Coopitayó is a well-established Indigenous cooperative with strong community trust and a clear social mission. Now, it is preparing for its next stage of growth. Through the programme, Coopitayó aims to improve its dairy processing plant, add lactose-free and fruit-based yoghurts to its product range and strengthen its brand.
With this support, Coopitayó will be able to expand into new markets while continuing to create economic opportunities and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities in Cauca.
In 1984, families from the Indigenous Resguardo de Pitayó in Silvia founded Coopitayó, a cooperative rooted in their traditions and values. Their goal was to create better opportunities for their community by making artisanal, sustainable dairy products. Today, 65 Indigenous smallholder families are members of Coopitayó. They work together to provide fresh milk and take part in programmes that support their social, environmental, and economic well-being.
The cooperative also runs a small community store and an agroecological demonstration farm. They make cheeses and yogurts using traditional methods and do not use preservatives. By using sustainable livestock practices and planting trees near their cattle, Coopitayó helps restore the soil and protect water sources.
Coopitayó ensures its milk suppliers earn 15 to 35 percent more than the typical market price. Profits are reinvested in the community, supporting microcredit and welfare programmes that help local farmers improve their farms and build a more secure future. All employees are members of the Indigenous community and receive formal contracts and wages that lift them out of poverty.
By making cheeses and yoghurts using traditional methods, local knowledge, and without preservatives, Coopitayó has become part of Colombia’s growing market for artisanal and sustainable dairy products.
Programme support
Coopitayó is a well-established Indigenous cooperative with strong community trust and a clear social mission. Now, it is preparing for its next stage of growth. Through the programme, Coopitayó aims to improve its dairy processing plant, add lactose-free and fruit-based yoghurts to its product range and strengthen its brand.
With this support, Coopitayó will be able to expand into new markets while continuing to create economic opportunities and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities in Cauca.