Numerous small producers from rural organisations were able to promote and sell their produce at the Feicobol trade fair in Cochabamba, April 24 th to May 4 th, 2008. For this 25th fair, Feicobol gathered no less than 750 exhibitors: tradespeople, distributors, local and foreign businesses, and 300,000 visitors, principally from Bolivia, but also from Argentina, Peru and Chili.
Raise awareness of alternative production methods
Feicobol , the second biggest trade fair in Bolivia, once again welcomed numerous organisations, from big Latin American and foreign companies to independent craftsmen and producers’ associations. These latter were able to discover new markets : rural community farmers from the province of Tapacari, in the department of Cochabamba, displayed their produce – tavelure, quinoa, cañahua – to Bolivian and foreign companies at the “commercial rendez-vous”. As well as presenting their produce, Feicobol was also an opportunity for community farmers to state their commitment to durable farming via rural economic organisations, and to raise the awareness of visitors of the ethics of production.
Among others present at the fair was the association Kampesino [Kampesino is a project supported by Frères des Hommes, to learn more click here] , which guarantees the processing and commercialisation of rural produce in the region of Cochabamba. By reducing the intermediaries between farmers and consumers, this association aims to guarantee a fair income to rural families. With others, Wilma, Martha and Berna, members of the team in charge of processing of products, held the stand of the Kampesino shop, where almost 60 processed products were on display, following different presentations. Members of different rural economic organisations, notably Catcopa, cereal producer, and d’Aprolec (Asociaciόn de productores de leche de Colomi), specialist of dairy products, have been trained in the promotion of products, and have participated in several fairs. To the curious visitor, they explained production methods, traditional for the most part or requiring a certain technology for others, but always made with natural products, and without chemical additives. For example, the milling of wheat is done in stone mills or fulling mills, methods which are not used in general, as the industry prefers to use more economic methods and chemical products.
Quality produce directly available
As indicated by its slogan “Fresh, healthy and delicious” , Kampesino provides consumers with quality produce, processed according to strict hygienic standards; nutritious and healthy, but also very tasty. Over a tasting session of marmelade, quince jelly, honey, as well as differents breads and cakes, the structure of Kampesino was explained to visitors. Entirely directed by peasant farmers working with professionals from different branches of production, Kampesino is an example of how rural communities can organise and develop, from start to finish, a high-quality production, which is then offered directly to the consumer at affordable prices.
Also read: Resonances Latin America N° 25 - June 2008
