In this last trip to Colombia- Latin Organics took the opportunity to do some coffee tasting or cupping sessions with certified Colombian experts. With Latin Organics we had a group of Koreans. One was a National Barista Champion and the other three were Korean Cupping experts. We put our taste buds to the test. We tried different and new varieties of Coffee that are being grown on Colombian soil. We tried a Mokka, Peaberry and Ethiopian coffee plants grown in Colombia. Talk about globalization at the level of agricultural plants! I can say that the way that these Koreans tested the coffee was admirable. Before and after the cupping sessions we went to several coffee farms to see the coffee plants and learn why and how the plants look different from each other. We saw the whole process of coffee , which included seeing the coffee plant as seedlings, observing how the composting is done- seeing what type of worms are used for this purpose, how the coffee cherries are picked, transported and how they are dried once the pulp is removed. We visited several of the living quarters of the workers and their cafeterias with stainless steel tables where the food is prepared. We also got to see the coffee workers having a break out on the field. They work very hard.

It was interesting to see local people drying the coffee on the street. Seeing the small Tiendas (corner stores)- where we stopped to buy water to drink- was very colourful and relaxing.  The beauty of the mountains and country side of Colombia is stunning. We saw so many butterflies, different flowering plants, so much bio diversity- that one can only think that Mother Nature is very happy in this part of the world. The warmth and friendliness of these farmers is unique. Despite the political and social atmosphere in Colombia, when you are in the country side, Mother Nature gives you a sense of peace. I walked up a mountain full of coffee plants and reached an altitude of 2000 meters. I wished I had wings to fly over this breath taking beauty.

The Koreans shared with me a tradition that they have, where-by when on a high mountain, you stand on the border, you fill your lungs with air and then you yell out with all your might and release all your worries. It is supposed to be very healing. So here we were at the top of this mountain- where we all took turns to follow this Korean tradition. After we came down from the mountain- still at a high elevation we went to the house of one of the farmers. They offered us to drink cold Agua de Panela. This house had the most beautiful view I have ever seen. The view was of a valley of different tones and textures of green that would extend beyond to the end of the horizon, touching the blue sky. In this house- lived a little girl named Sara- the same name of my four year old daughter. Sara, was very shy but she finally accepted to sit with me. We had our picture taken. My thought at that moment was, wow- she is as young as my daughter, she is Colombian as I am and she deserves to have everything that life has to offer. Latin Organics needs to work hard to achieve this for these people. Direct Trade- there is no other way.  That is our mission. One product at a time, one relationship at a time, one new customer at a time.

On a Friday night around 9 pm, Santos and two of his advisors arrived to our Hotel in Colombia. The meeting had been arranged before hand from Vancouver. The Kogis had requested to meet with us. The subject: Coffee. Despite the long day and the late time at night- we gave full priority to this meeting. Santos had just flown in from Santa Marta.

The Kogis live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta- which is the highest Coastal Mountain range in the world. On this mountain there are four indigenous groups that live there: Kankuamo. Arhuacos, Wiwa and Kogis.  Latin Organics at present is doing business with the Arhuacos and with the Kankuamos. The Kogis are the tribe that have had the least contact with non indigenous people. They believe that we are the Little Brothers and they are the Big Brothers-similar to what the Arhuacos believe. We spoke until 2 am in the morning.  I had difficulty understanding Santos as his Spanish was a bit broken. But with time I was able to understand what he was passing on to me in regards to information.

Santos was sent to meet with Latin Organics by the spiritual leaders or wise men with in their tribe. The Kogis want Latin Organics to buy all their organic coffee. They do not wish to work with anyone else, as they have tried this already in the past. Their goal is to use the funds that they collect from their coffee business to recover all the land that is being occupied by non indigenous people- so that they may keep this Coastal Mountain sacred. The Kogis believe that if the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is kept in the hands of the Arhuacos, Wiwa, Kankuamos and Kogis- our planet Earth can be healed and saved. They believe that the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the Heart of the World.

The Kogis, as do the Arhuacos- believe that the mountains, rocks, water, soil and nature in general are sacred. They pay pagamentos o blessings/rituals to their surroundings. Within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta- the Kogis have been observing   the physical changes that nature is going through such as less snow, less water, drought and the arrival of more diseases with in their community. They attribute this to the Little Brothers (Us) and the way we live. At present, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in some parts is being logged down to make room for a concrete construction to hold water. Talks also exist to build a Gondola to take tourists to the top. All this is an invasion to this sacred territory. While I was listening to all this, I remembered the movie that I had watched during my flight to Colombia, AVATAR. What resemblance. Can this fiction story be happening in Colombia? Yes, I was being informed of this by Santos.  So, what next?  We will have to wait and see. It is certain that Latin Organics alone cannot fix this situation- we can buy all the coffee that they produce but we are going to need for the world to buy Latin Organics organic and direct trade coffee, drink it and enjoy it like no other cup of coffee. Who is up for the challenge? Write to us and let us know how you can help. Latin Organics needs you- together we can change the world!

In a recent trip to Colombia- last month, Latin Organics had the opportunity to meet with several agricultural- entrepreneurs and coffee farmers. As usual- going back home is a wonderful feeling difficult to describe. You wonder how much more has the country advanced in technology, education, equality, organic farming, urban planning, etc in the past twelve months- since you were last there.

As a Canadian company arriving to Colombian territory- you continue your trip very focused knowing that you have the power as a company to impact in a positive way the lives of the people that you do business with and this is truly exciting. After a long trip- finally- the first Colombian meal: breakfast the next day. While all the local people were ordering strawberries, fat free milk and corn flakes- I went straight to the Ethnic Buffet. I ate everything I had not had for the last year here in Vancouver. No calorie worries. Living the moment. As the day goes by and my agenda moves forward- I come to the conclusion that people in Colombia are amazing and hardworking. They really deserve better. They try so hard but the support needed from the government or other private entities is sometimes unavailable. We speak with these business people and try to map out a plan. Latin Organics recommended to each of them that they should continue to work hard and keep focused on their goals.

As part of our trip we had planned to travel to the Southern part of Colombia by road- a six hour trip. Due to the pre- presidential elections in Colombia- we were advised by a family member who is a General in Colombia, not to do this trip. We were advised to coordinate the meeting within city limits and at our hotel. So we did this. The farmers came to us. We met in a tropical garden next to the pool- sitting under the shade of native trees. It is always welcoming to meet with them and our friendship ties with every meeting are renewed. A tear of sadness comes to our eyes when we give our goodbyes. We leave with our TO DO list and wish each other a safe return.

This trip to Colombia was successful as we were able to initiate new commercial ties with several entrepreneurs. We had several interviews with different National newspapers where Latin Organics plans and successes were communicated. For the first time ever- on the day that I had to fly back to Vancouver- I had mixed feelings and I really wanted to stay in Colombia. As I know that I can do more for Colombia being abroad through Latin Organics- I took a deep breath and walked in to Air Canada's aircraft, took my seat and kissed Colombia farewell. There is a lot of work to do and believe me we need all the support we can get from Vancouverites, Canadians and the World!

Eco friendly line made from Palm of Iraka-Palma de Iraka. The designs represent the beauty that nature has to offer. 100% Biodegradble. These items are made by a Cooperative of women located in Sandonal, Narino- in Southern Colombia.

Photo 1: Placematts with beautifull textures- made out of Palma de Iraka from Sothern Colombia.

Photo 2: Woven Palma de Iraka to make bucket style handbags with shoulder straps.

These are now being sold at Latin Organics Cafe in Vancouver. We ship your order.

Handcrafted by the Kankuamo and Kogi women from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Now exclusively at Latin Organics Cafe- we present Mochilas hand made by the Kogi women following anscestral traditions.The Mochilas are used to carry food and other needed items. Most Kogis carry two mochilas at a time. 100% Biodegradable.

The Kankuamo women weave as part of their tradition to express their thoughts on Mother nature. Natural dyes are used.These products are eco friendly and bio degradable. Unique in design.

Latin Organics supports Unique traditions- traditions that are the back bone of civilization. They need to be protected and passed on to new generations.

Kankuamo tribe that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the area of Atanquez,Cesar from where Latin Organics CEO's ancestors once lived.

Spot testing is required by a 1990 Law in the United States. This 1990 Law established the basis for the National USA organic standards- but the regulators in charge never made sure the testing was being done. The Obama administration has just approved this week- to spot test organic products that are labelled as such-confirming if they are truly free of fertilizers and pesticides. This will for sure allow consumers to feel more confident towards organic certifications and it will also provide red flags on so many brands out there that have no certification- yet they are being sold as organic. Non- announced inspections will be applied to products on farms and manufacturing plants. Grocery stores-will have inspectors verifying if the correct labelling is being used on their shelf products. This is an important achievement for the organic industry. Companies such as Latin Organics that have based their corporate values on organic farming are celebrating. Our efforts have not been in vain. It is critical that governments all around the world start to apply this type of regulations. Colombia has a National Organic logo in place, but further testing procedures should be applied besides the organic audits that take place.

Latin Organics coffee grounds will be donated to the new Rice Block Community Garden located in Strathcona. Latin Organics is proud to participate in this new community garden organized by the Atira Women's Resources Society. The planting will begin on March 30, 2010. The organic coffee grounds will be coming from every cup of coffee sold at Latin Organics flagship café. Latin Organics is confident that the organic status of our certified organic Colombian Arabica and shade grown coffee beans will contribute in a positive way to this upcoming community garden. It is amazing how Latin Organics Colombian grown coffee - once ground- will work together with Canadian soil to produce amazing plants and bring much more benefits to this community. It is in us to give back to Mother Nature and to our Community.

The Ethno Business Council of British Columbia established since 1988 and presenting sponsor the Great West Life Assurance Company are proud to present the 18th Annual B.C. New -Canadian Entrepreneur Awards, together with the Business Development Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, KPMG, OMNI TV, The Canadian Immigrant Magazine and Small Business BC are pleased to inform Martha Lucia Bowen, CEO & Founder of Latin Organics Inc- her nomination to this award.

The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the multicultural business contribution to our B.C. economy. The Ethno Business Council of BC. in conjunction with all of the mentioned sponsors, is presenting awards to outstanding New-Canadian Entrepreneurs. These business people operate in both domestic and international markets. This recognition promotes the growing multicultural image of B.C. business.

Martha Lucia Bowen, CEO & Founder of Latin Organics Inc., an organic coffee brand focused on Colombian coffee and it's first flagship café in Vancouver- has gladly accepted with gratitude the nomination and is looking forward to this event to be celebrated in the month of May 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. Bowen is excited to be able to contribute to the growth and international image of B.C. companies. "As an immigrant it is our responsibility to contribute as best as possible to your new homeland, as this shows gratitude. We are happy and thrilled to be able to build a company on Canadian soil while supporting organic farming and direct trade" says Bowen.

Interesting to observe how an Olympic venue inspires human athletes to give their best and to go beyond any limitation. What would it take for business practices to come together as an inspiration created by entrepreneurs and consumers to work together to achieve Global Harmony? Latin Organics definition of Global Harmony is based on trading directly with farmers. Direct Trade empowers farmers so that they may elevate their standards of living. Direct trade creates less carbon footprints because crops travel less from hand to hand. Direct trade diminishes poverty. Any definition of trade called fair is not ethical if poverty continues. Poverty is the living proof that there is no equality- despite any labeling used. Every year here at Latin Organics we travel to Colombia to purchase our coffee beans and it is really demoralizing to see how poverty continues to grow. We can only work with so many farmers at a time, so those that we can not work with continue to struggle. Consumers need to know what they are buying and how it got to their hands. Can business become a tradition of Global Harmony- like the Olympics are a tradition of Global sportsmanship? Direct Trade is like the Olympics- where athletes from all over the world gather to compete in a clean and fair environment. Trade as such is a competition- but we need to create a clean and fair environment to achieve Global Harmony.

During the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic games, as many people flock into the city to attend this international event-  Vancouverites hold their breath and cross their fingers so that we may have enough snow and effective visibility conditions on our slopes. Mother Nature is asked to cooperate with the event. Visitors to Vancouver are probably astonished with our beautiful mountains and the crystal clear harbors that frame our city. It may also cause a wow effect to see so many coffee shops- in almost every corner- but no snow. Could coffee be one of the crops keeping the snow away- knowing that coffee is the second largest commodity traded on our planet? In some sense we could say yes; more so if that coffee crop is not grown organically. Cutting down native trees, contaminating water reserves and spoiling our soil with chemicals are some of the negative elements that impact our global climate. In many cases when we order a latte, we do not stop to think on the carbon foot print that this cup of coffee has created. Latin Organics strives to support organic farming and direct trade even if this means less profit for our company. With seasonal droughts now in effect in Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Sumatra, etc- coffee prices are soaring. The most eminent danger is that if climate change continues, there may be a day when coffee is not viable to harvest.

How would Vancouver seem during the winter season-with out coffee shops and with no snow? Do re-think what you are purchasing. Aim for Organic certified and Direct trade coffee.