ALAGRO Cooperative, an example of associativity and economic sustainability, Colombia

La cooperativa ha demostrado que la unión de esfuerzos y la creación de sociedades colaborativas pueden generar un impacto significativo en la mejora de la bioeconomía.

Context of the story

In Eastern Antioquia, Colombia, agriculture and livestock are essential to the economy and social welfare. Small producers, facing challenges such as limited access to technical services, veterinary care, and affordable inputs, have found a vital solution in the Alianza para el Agro Cooperative (ALAGRO). Founded in 2017 by the union of local producers, ALAGRO aims to enhance the sustainability and economic growth of these communities. Supported by Confecoop and international cooperation, it provides services like technical assistance, free veterinary care, and access to competitively priced inputs, directly benefiting about 200 producers from four municipalities.

Transforming the Bioeconomy of Eastern Antioquia

The implemented initiative

The initiative of the ALAGRO Cooperative is to promote the solidarity economy to boost the bioeconomy in the Eastern Antioquia region. Since its founding in 2017, ALAGRO has implemented measures that directly benefit small dairy producers, such as the installation of milk cooling tanks which enhance production efficiency and the quality of life of its members. With significant growth in membership, the cooperative has positioned itself as a leader in the regional dairy market, promoting sustainable practices and the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, it contributes to local economic development and social cohesion by offering high-quality products and establishing strategic partnerships that strengthen the sector.

To go far, it's better to walk together

The technological solution

ALAGRO is a model of how bioeconomy can progress through innovation. This multi-activity, non-profit cooperative, formed by dairy producers, has implemented improvements in the quality and marketing of its products, based on solidary and cooperative economics. With 150 active producers, it offers business lines that include the collection and marketing of milk, an agricultural store with credit and inputs, and transformed products. Over more than six years, it has benefited 236 families, created jobs, and established 26 milk cooling tanks, promoting sustainable and cooperative development in Eastern Antioquia.

One day we understood that together we are and do more.

Don Nairo, Doña Ofelia, Ayda y Doña Carmen

Participating countries

Colombia

Type of project

Food and Markets, Cattle raising

Results

Since its inception in 2017, the ALAGRO Cooperative has demonstrated the potential of solidarity economy to boost the bioeconomy in Eastern Antioquia, benefiting over 250 families and creating 62 jobs. It has established 26 milk cooling tanks, improving the productivity and quality of life for producers. With 130 members and a 60% increase in membership, ALAGRO has become a leader in the regional dairy market, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, it has fostered social cohesion and local economic growth, transforming the dairy sector and offering high-quality products.