Today we received the following letter (translated from Spanish) from Miguel Paz, Export Manager of CECOVASA, one of our small farmer coffee co-operative partners in Juliaca, Peru:
Hola compañeros:
The year has ended but not the work. But since it’s New Years, we don’t talk of difficult things; rather we wish for success, happiness and good health…
I’m sending you some photos of my recent trip to the production zone where I was attending the end of year General Assemblies.
Most of the photos are from the visit we paid to Wilson Sucaticona, National Quality Champion. His coffee is 1600 meters high and even at this time, there’s still coffee to harvest. We did a ceremony, called Kintucha, to give thanks to the earth.
The other photos are of the Assembly of Delegates where they have elected the new Governing Board. As always, the Assemblies end with beer and a dance. In the photos, the floor appears wet; this is due to the custom that each person spills a little less than half of the first glass on the floor… for “good luck”.
Finally, are photos of the new processing plant in Juliaca, which we plan to inaugurate on January 21, 2010 during the Day of the “Change in Command”. This is when the new Governing Board assumes leadership.
Take care and stay in touch.
HI Phyllis,
Great photos and neat story!
All the best for to all at Equal Exchange in 2010 and keep up the great work supporting small farmers, their organizations, their communities and their land!
Kindest Regards
Scott