A loan helped support the livelihood of 129 native potato farmers and their families high in the Peruvian Andes.


Cooperativa Agropia's story

This loan may have higher risk but higher impact. Learn more here.

Problem:
High in the Peruvian Andes, small farming families have limited, if any, potential for the commercialization of their crops. Situated at over 12,000 feet above sea level, Huancavelica is one of the poorest parts of Perú, with over 50% of the people in the region living below the poverty line (2016).

Solution:
AGROPIA is a 100% farmer-owned cooperative that locally produces, processes and exports distinctive, organic native potato chips, (as well as other products) to the European markets. The cooperative is certified fair trade and has 10 years of experience and steady growth. Their 100+ members across 17 rural communities receive agricultural training, financial support, and a steady income, allowing them to remain on their land, and preserve their heritage and ancestral way of life.

Loan use and impact:
AGROPIA will use 100% of their Kiva loan to purchase native potatoes exclusively from cooperative members and process them into organic chips. The cooperative anticipates 20 fair trade jobs will be directly created because of this loan, in addition to supporting current members, and it will allow for their continued growth and expansion in the future.


This loan is special because:

it creates new job opportunities and fair wages to farmers in Peru



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details