In a recent trip to Colombia- last month, Latin Organics had the opportunity to meet with several agricultural- entrepreneurs and coffee farmers. As usual- going back home is a wonderful feeling difficult to describe. You wonder how much more has the country advanced in technology, education, equality, organic farming, urban planning, etc in the past twelve months- since you were last there.

As a Canadian company arriving to Colombian territory- you continue your trip very focused knowing that you have the power as a company to impact in a positive way the lives of the people that you do business with and this is truly exciting. After a long trip- finally- the first Colombian meal: breakfast the next day. While all the local people were ordering strawberries, fat free milk and corn flakes- I went straight to the Ethnic Buffet. I ate everything I had not had for the last year here in Vancouver. No calorie worries. Living the moment. As the day goes by and my agenda moves forward- I come to the conclusion that people in Colombia are amazing and hardworking. They really deserve better. They try so hard but the support needed from the government or other private entities is sometimes unavailable. We speak with these business people and try to map out a plan. Latin Organics recommended to each of them that they should continue to work hard and keep focused on their goals.

As part of our trip we had planned to travel to the Southern part of Colombia by road- a six hour trip. Due to the pre- presidential elections in Colombia- we were advised by a family member who is a General in Colombia, not to do this trip. We were advised to coordinate the meeting within city limits and at our hotel. So we did this. The farmers came to us. We met in a tropical garden next to the pool- sitting under the shade of native trees. It is always welcoming to meet with them and our friendship ties with every meeting are renewed. A tear of sadness comes to our eyes when we give our goodbyes. We leave with our TO DO list and wish each other a safe return.

This trip to Colombia was successful as we were able to initiate new commercial ties with several entrepreneurs. We had several interviews with different National newspapers where Latin Organics plans and successes were communicated. For the first time ever- on the day that I had to fly back to Vancouver- I had mixed feelings and I really wanted to stay in Colombia. As I know that I can do more for Colombia being abroad through Latin Organics- I took a deep breath and walked in to Air Canada's aircraft, took my seat and kissed Colombia farewell. There is a lot of work to do and believe me we need all the support we can get from Vancouverites, Canadians and the World!

by Vancouver Courier
Her husband was assaulted by a dozen men dressed as police officers. They were kidnapped and later released by a guerilla group. After that, it was time for Martha Lucia Bowen, her husband and two small children to leave Colombia.

Although Bowen wanted to leave the perils of Colombia behind, the 40-year-old resident of West Vancouver also wants to see the country's poorest farmers progress, so she founded Latin Organics, an ethical certified organic and certified fair trade coffee company, which started operations in late 2005.

Bowen trades directly with Arhuaco Indians, indigenous farmers who live near Vallevupar, the town in Northern Colombia where she was born. "The social mission and the reason for me having started this company is because I really want to help eradicate illicit crops in Colombia. And I truly believe that if I prove to the Colombian government and to different local organizations that organic agriculture is a way out of poverty, then I'll just get more farmers on board," Bowen says. "That way we will start building and helping them with their livelihood, but we will also be helping recuperate soils and water resources in Colombia that have been poorly managed throughout the last 30, 40, 50 years."

Her beans come by boat to Vancouver where they're roasted and packaged in bags made in Latin America. When they sell out, as they did in the middle of August, Bowen waits for the next harvest instead of going to fair trade coffee brokers. She's committed to the growers she's built a relationship with in Colombia, and pays them more than the highest fair trade price for their beans.

Latin Organics recently received its second shipment of beans after a lengthy delay. The farmers missed the boat twice in Colombia, an earthquake in Peru delayed the ship, U.S. customs officials performed two intensive searches on the cargo container in Los Angeles, and Canada Customs officers performed another intensive search in Vancouver. Bowen says the extra headaches are worth it. "We're helping them believe in themselves," she says. "We're empowering them to really, truly believe that they can do business in this direct way, that they don't have to feel obliged in signing future sale contracts with coffee brokers."

Her 454 gram bags of light, medium, medium dark roast and espresso beans retail for $13.99 to $15.99 at Bosa Foods, 562 Victoria Dr. and 1465 Kootenay St.; selected London Drugs, Capers, Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings St.; Urban Fare, 177 Davie St. and Drive Organics, 1045 Commercial Dr. For more information, see latinorganics.com.
» Article in Vancouver Courier "Sales of Fair Trade Organic Coffee may Help Alleviate Poverty in Colombia- Drink It"

Latin Organics will be participating in Fair Trade Fridays in all three Caper's stores from 2 pm to 6 pm. This is a tasteful event and an amazing opportunity for Fair Trade followers to show their support.Latin Organics is committed to travelling directly to Colombia to visit farmers that cultivate natural, organic and fair trade products, as well as helping and educating other farmers so that they may understand the relevance and importance of becoming Fair Trade certified. Latin Organics continues to work on getting more farmers in Colombia involved with the organic agriculture so that illicit crops may be depleted. This important mission combined with Fair Trade certifications can be a vital vehicle to help diminish poverty in Colombia. Try some of our certified Fair Trade and Organic spiritual Colombian coffee on May 5th at Capers West Van, May 12th at Caper's Robson, May 19th at Caper's Kitsilano.Read more about these events at www.transfair.ca under Recent News. We will also be at Urban Fare on May 13, 2006 sharing our coffee with all the Fair Trade lovers in Vancouver.