a canadian co-op
the co-op
La Siembra Co-operative, based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region of Canada, was founded in 1999 with the goal of reconnecting consumers with farmers in a sustainable manner. Our name La Siembra means “sowing” or “planting time” in Spanish. It is also a symbol for the seeds of change that our co-operative is sowing through its fair trade, educational and co-operative activities.
our story
La Siembra was established in 1999 by three young entrepreneurs in Ottawa. Having worked overseas, the founders of La Siembra experienced the exploitative nature of trade on the lives of producers, and these three friends decided to provide Canadian consumers with an alternative to conventionally traded products. They bought a small mixing machine, convinced a few folks that they had a worthwhile idea and established a worker-owned co-operative.
From humble beginnings in 1999...
Year 1 was spent in the community kitchen of First United Church—a socially progressive church in Ottawa. As there was no fair trade certification system for cocoa-based products at that time, La Siembra’s founders adopted the guidelines of the Fair Trade Foundation. They began sourcing cocoa from a co-operative in Costa Rica and sugar from a mill supporting co-operative farmers in Paraguay. An organic recipe was developed and the founders began to manufacture and distribute a hot chocolate, sugar and cocoa line.
In 2002 La Siembra worked with TransFair Canada to develop a certification system for cocoa, chocolate and sugar products in Canada and became the first registered importers of Fair Trade Certified cocoa and sugar in North America.
...to great success today.
worker co-op structure
We have chosen to identify with our producer partners by adopting the same democratic, participatory and transparent model that they follow in their own co-operatives. We are a worker co-operative, which means that employees are also members-owners of the co-op and participate democratically in the operation of the company. Membership is open and voluntary and requires that workers (a) invest in the co-op financially and (b) participate in its governance. Member-owners each have a vote in member meetings, are entitled to run for board elections and have the opportunity to participate in key organizational decisions.
The worker co-op model is an essential and effective element of a sustainable economy, This model also demonstrates that equitable business practices can help to build better communities for producers and consumers alike.
co-op memberships
La Siembra Co-operative is a member of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation (OWCF), On Co-op, The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) and the Conseil de la coopération de l’Ontario (CCO). Co-operative trade relations account for more than 70% of our purchases and close to 50% of our total sales.
vision
We envision a world where people collaboratively build vibrant local and global communities, fostering diverse and sustainable economies through equitable trade and environmental stewardship.
mission
We, the worker-owners of La Siembra Co-operative, are committed to a model of equitable trade rooted in co-operation and the social solidarity economy. We offer consumers high-quality ethical products through partnerships with producer co-operatives that foster sustainable livelihoods and community development. We believe in meaningful, dignified employment and are guided by the co-operative principles, by the fair trade principles, and by a respect for the environment.
co-operative guiding principles
We also follow the 7 guiding principles listed below, which are integral to La Siembra’s daily operations.
| Fair Trade: | La Siembra promotes trading partnerships based on fairness, dialogue, transparency and respect in order to pursue greater equity in international trade. |
| Healthy Communities: | La Siembra supports sustainable community development through a commitment to organic/shade grown sourcing and Fair Trade practices. |
| Inter Co-operation: | La Siembra prioritizes partnerships with other co-operatives at the local, regional, national and international levels. |
| Open Membership: | Membership is voluntary and non-discriminatory. |
| Democratic Control: | Every member has one vote. |
| Economic Participation: | Every member contributes equitably to the co-operative and participates in the democratic control of the co-op’s social capital. |
| Independence: | La Siembra is an autonomous organization controlled by its members. |
