ACAPRO is a non-profit organization based in the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. We are a democratically organized group of 71 small-scale organic growers, who have worked together since 1996 to improve the social, economic, and environmental quality of life for our families and our communities.

In 1992 the idea first arose in Talamanca to produce organic bananas for commercial sale. Companies in Europe, where the demand for organic food was beginning to take off, began talking with farmers in the area about this possibility. Small farmers began to cultivate organically and formed four similar growers' groups within the region, ACAPRO being one of them. Now, our members are cultivating 1,270 hectares of land, 202 hectares of which are devoted to bananas.

ACAPRO markets its members' produce to corporate customers, such as Gerber, who use the bananas to make organic baby food. In this way, we work together to diversify our production, increase market access and stabilize income. It also allows us to utilize our land sustainably, which reduces deforestation.

ACAPRO is both a part of the community and representative of the cultural diversity of the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. Our growers are mestizo (60.5%), indigenous (24%), Afro-Caribbean (8.5%), and foreign residents (7%) and our organization values both the cultural and the ethnic diversity of our members and our community.

In addition to agroforestry, and the production and sale of banana vinegar and organic noni juice (citrafolia morinda), ACAPRO seeks to support its members and their communities through:

• Donations: ACAPRO supports initiatives in its members’ communities. Small donations have been made to schools and for the construction of sports facilities and rural aqueducts.
• Loans: Small loans are available to ACAPRO members.
• Interest-free credit: In order to aid producers in obtaining organic agricultural supplies, ACAPRO also maintains an interest free credit system.

ACAPRO: Creating Opportunities

José Moore Arguedas, a former lumber industry worker, has made great strides both professionally and personally as a result of his involvement with ACAPRO over the last nine years. Although José was not very involved in the inner workings of ACAPRO when he first joined in 1996, he has continually taken a more active role over the years. Beginning simply with weighing and writing invoices for bananas purchased, he has now risen to the position of vice president and serves as an internal inspector for the organization. His vested interest and dedication have aided in developing and shaping ACAPRO, making it the thriving organization that it is today.

Similarly, José´s agricultural yield has also grown tremendously from 600 to 3,000 kilograms of bananas per month—which he credits in part to the workshops held at ACAPRO dealing with a range of agricultural topics. As a result of his success, José’s economic status has accordingly improved, providing additional security and opening the door to innumerable opportunities for him and his family.

José’s wife has also become involved in ACAPRO, making it a family affair. She not only works with her husband on their farm but also assists him with clerical tasks. In the future José hopes that his three daughters will follow in their footsteps, working with ACAPRO or another organic organization and carrying on their parents´ efforts to conserve the precious forests of Talamanca.