Meet the Farmers Behind Your Avocados: A Story of Responsible Sourcing
Jake from Equal Exchange and Gustavo from PRAGOR
At The Food Co-op, every purchase you make can make a real difference—not just in the food you bring home, but in the lives of the farmers who grow it. When you choose organic, you're supporting sustainable agriculture and helping to protect the environment. In 2024, our Co-op customers did something even more remarkable: they purchased 57,035 Equal Exchange avocados, generating $47,702 directly for small-scale farmers in Michoacán, Mexico.
Through our partnership OCG (Organically Grown Company) and with Equal Exchange, we're proud to connect with 71 small-scale avocado farmers, who supply 343 co-ops and grocery stores across the U.S. These farmers not only grow delicious organic avocados but are part of a movement toward ethical food sourcing. What's more, an additional $1,406 was paid in social premiums, contributing to the self-sustenance of a local elderly care facility and supplying much-needed resources to a special school for hearing-impaired children.
Last week, we had the honor of meeting two of these incredible farmers: Gustavo and Lucila Vallejo Esquivel. Both members of PRAGOR Organic Growers Cooperative, Gustavo, who is the President and a founding member, has been working with Equal Exchange since 2013. PRAGOR consists of 11 small-scale farmers who share a deep commitment to organic practices and the well-being of their community.
Want to learn more about how Equal Exchange supports these farmers and promotes truly responsible sourcing? Dive deeper into their mission and impact by reading the full article here.
Your choice to support organic and Fair-Trade matters—and it's changing lives.
