The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, María Fernanda Rivera Dávila, visited the Ixcapec Industrial Plant of the Federation of Cooperatives of the Verapaces (FEDECOVERA) in Cobán, Alta Verapaz. The visit aimed to understand firsthand the needs and opportunities for support within the agricultural sector.
FEDECOVERA brings together more than 33,000 small producers from 42 associated cooperatives. The organization benefits over 100,000 people directly across Alta and Baja Verapaz, Huehuetenango, and the Nororiente region. During the meeting, FEDECOVERA officials presented their sustainable and inclusive social-economic model that has developed over its 49-year history.
The federation is recognized as a leading global producer and exporter of cardamom. It also exports products such as allspice, coffee, cocoa, turmeric, and sustainable wood to five continents.
Representatives highlighted the strengths of the cooperative movement in promoting comprehensive development and equitable wealth distribution. They also discussed challenges facing the sector in both short- and long-term scenarios.
Minister Rivera Dávila outlined specific actions and projects through which her ministry will provide strategic support. These include implementing a Geo Portal to supply climate and soil information for agricultural decision-making nationwide; improving traceability and streamlining administrative processes; and applying the Keyline system to promote resilient agriculture and better water management.
Progress on MAGA-FEDECOVERA Agreement #09-2025 (Ministerial Agreement 54-2025) was reviewed during the visit. The parties also discussed the "Connecting Value Chains in Las Verapaces" project and reaffirmed financial commitment through the National Revenue and Expenditure Budget for 2025.
"You have a successful model of association, knowledge, and work that represents development for many families. Congratulations," said Rivera Dávila.
Leonardo Delgado, general manager of FEDECOVERA, expressed gratitude for ongoing support: "We appreciate the support provided and cooperation offered so that producers can continue consolidating their benefit plans."
The visit concluded with a tour of FEDECOVERA’s facilities including its Microbiology Laboratory, Spice Industrial Plant, Vegetative Propagation Greenhouse, and Biofertilizer Factory. Authorities also visited Chicoj Agroforestry Nursery at Chicoj Cooperative to further mutual understanding regarding agricultural value chains.
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