COOPEAGROPAL
Submitted by Garry Cronan on October 15, 2007 - 2:59pm.
COOPEAGROPAL | Food and Agriculture | Costa Rica | Environment | Community | Developing 300 | Principles/CSR
Developing 300 ranking:
25
Number of members:
534Number of employees:
465Turnover:
USD $: 30,039,000Type of Co-operative:
Agricultural Co-operativeDate founded:
1986Operating Countries:
Costa Rica
Website:
Environment
The co-operative’s development policies are promoted under a real commitment to the environment and a good management of natural resources. Efforts in this
respect include:
- Implementation of an energy plant to produce the power required for the agricultural and industrial processes and the administration of the co-operative.
- Proper handling of industrial waste, by using it as raw material.
Community
COOPEAGROPAL RL has helped to make drinking water, housing, health programs and fairs available for the community, including a clinic that offers medical services to its members. It has worked with the Ministry of Education and the national universities to improve the population’s level of education.
At the same time, with its own resources, the co-operative is in charge of the
maintenance of 300 km of roads, more than 250 canals and 65 concrete bridges.
The region of Coto Sur has experienced an improvement in employment, income, and the quality of life of the families in the community. Many of those who were simply workers in the banana plantations have become the owners of oil palm farms.
80% of Coto Sur’s employment is directly or indirectly generated by the co-operative.
COOPEAGROPAL also operates a store where members can source the products and services needed to develop the palm industry.
Members have access to financial assistance via the co-operative.
