Lindelia's Story

 

Lindelia Medina looks satisfied when she sees her three hectare farm and says: "I always wanted to have an integral farm". For this sixty year old woman it is a joy to know that she has recently received hens, is harvesting corn, beans and fruit trees such as avocado, orange, mango and passion fruit, a direct benefit of one of the programs that has been developed in the region with money from the Fairtrade market.

"It is reassuring, but I still need some things to feel my farm is complete"

         

Lindelia was born in Aguadas, Caldas but left for Bogotá after her marriage and had two children. 16 years ago she returned to her home town to keep her husband away from the vices of the city however, "He didn't like working in the fields, and we separated 5 years ago". She found reasons to stay, even though only one of her children helps her.

Lindelia has time to tend the coffee plantations and to be a member of the administration council of the Aguadas Cooperative. "I have always liked to be a member of the groups", she says. She is a natural leader and talks with firm knowledge about the benefits coffee growers have since selling certified coffee in the Fairtrade market.

"I'm a good example, I have been producing organic coffee for two years, my son attends one of the trainings, and I am now seeking help from the cooperative in order to fix the roof on my house, as it has several leaks".