This loan is part of Fairtrasa’s pilot program to assist farmers through loans that finance organic inputs or to cover the expensive upfront costs of the organic conversion process. Fairtrasa aims to help farmers make the transition more rapidly, and at a lower cost, than if financed through traditional institutions. Loan terms are structured around the harvest of the crop and will be repaid with a single bullet payment at the end of the loan term. After the organic conversion process, Fairtrasa works with banana, avocado and mango farmers to create further opportunities to scale their organic farms and sell their Fair Trade products internationally. By supporting this loan you are supporting organic farming practices by small-scale growers.
About Fairtrasa International:
Fairtrasa is a global social enterprise that was established in 2005 to lift small-scale farmers out of poverty and encourage sustainable farming practices.
The organization utilizes a 3-tier sustainable business model designed to provide farmers in Peru with technical skills, foster community development, and ensure access to international markets. With Kiva’s support, more farmers will be able to buy organic farming inputs, purchase equipment necessary for organic farming, and gain access to educational programs.
A loan of $1,500 helps to buy agricultural tools and manure for his mango trees.