inspired by a small co-operative

It was the final afternoon of a heady three days for these two. They are both leading lights in Equal Exchange, a workers' co-operative established in 1979, in the early days of Fairtrade. They have been exhibiting at the World Festival of Co-operatives in Manchester. In spite of feeling weary after three days of talking to the public, they immediately engaged me in conversation when I paused at their stand. They were keen to tell me about their latest venture into marketing coffee produced by women farmers.

They told me that smallholders, not estates, produce most of the world's coffee and some of the best too! Yet despite women doing most of the work on the farm they often have little influence. However, evidence shows that where women control household income the family's health, nutrition and education improves at a faster rate because less money is spent outside the household.

I was not the only one that was inspired by their enthusiasm and commitment. Two days previously, they had been presented with a 'Small Co-operative, Big Achievement' award which they were keen to display when I asked if I could photograph them for my daily journal.

They told me that they have a contract to sell this new 'Coffee grown by Women' brand in Booths the Supermarket. I will be looking out for it next time I am in the store.