ASOPROAAA

The Association of Agricultural Producers of Acosta and Asserí, ASOPROAAA, was established in September 1998, following the devastating destruction in the region by Hurricane Mitch. They have grown to currently number just over 1150 members as associates.

ASOPROAAA has been influential in the revival of agricultural production in the area following the hurricane, and a pioneer in the processing of micro lots by its members. Both cantons it looks after are classed as rural, mainly growing coffee, citrus and other fruit crops with some livestock farming and beekeeping. In general, there are significant technological, organizational and commercial problems in these products, while Aserri’s attention is focussed more on the lower economic development. As a cooperative they offer important financial, commercial and technical assistance to members, and employs dedicated programs to improve the livelihoods of members of the community. More than 2,000 houses were built for people with limited resources as part of a special program initiated by the association.

Lots from ASOPROAAA have won numerous quality awards in addition to regularly placing in the finals of the Cup of Excellence competition.

Their mission and values are stated as follows:

Mission: We are an organization of small agricultural producers that makes available to its partners technology, capital, agro-industrial processes, marketing and integral human training, managing productive, financial, organizational and training technologies.

Vision: Integrated support system for agricultural producers in the region made up of the cantons of Acosta and Aserrí, through the generation and transfer of administrative, credit, productive, marketing and training resources and technologies, focusing and promoting a sustainable economy and comprehensive human development for their partner families