Photo: Shared Interest
Mexico is the world’s fifth largest exporter of honey, but making a living as a 21st century beekeeper is not easy. Educe, founded in 1997, is a co-operative focused on high quality production using traditional methods that brings together 800 beekeepers who work within 40 individual co-operatives. It is improving income for the beekeepers so people can stay rather than migrating. María Colli, who has worked with Educe for four years, says she also values workshops on gender and the environment which encourage women to speak up, and help in diversifying products. Educe works with Shared Interest, an ethical investment cooperative that provides capital to smallholders at fair rates. Its loans let Educe pre-finance their harvest and give beekeepers a year-round payment for their honey.
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