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!

The most prestigious national newspaper in Colombia- "El Tiempo" writes an article describing the important work that Martha Bowen- Latin Organics' CEO- is doing in Canada- through the distribution of their line of premium Organic, Fair trade and Rain Forest Alliance certified Colombian coffee.

This article was published on the front page of El Tiempo in Bogota, Colombia on Sunday, November 28, 2008. This newspaper reached every city in Colombia and more than five million on line readers all over the world-from Canada to Austria read through the article. Many of these on line readers took the time to comment on this labor of hope that is being done by Latin Organics- Having the vision to help turn Colombia in the first country in the world cultivating only certified organic products is something that may certainly cause a positive social and economical shift in Colombia.This can not be achieved with out the support of consumers. Latin Organics is working directly 100% with organic coffee farmers in Colombia, importing the green beans into Canada and roasting locally in Vancouver. This is a major difference amongst all the other coffee brands out there and it proofs that there are healthier direct ways to do business. A road map for hope and a way out of poverty for people in Colombia.

» Read original article in Spanish

» Translated version in English

» Download pdf version

We are very excited to travel to Colombia to celebrate Earth Day-in harmony with all the Indigenous farmers and their families, involved with the cultivation of Latin Organics amazing coffee beans. We will also celebrate this day with the local women crafters that hand make our Eco-friendly Casa line of products.

Earth Day has been celebrated all across the Globe since 1970. This is a time to build awareness, that we are one human family and we must think and act as committed trustees of Earth.

It is also an appropriate time to look at global warming, poverty problems and focus on developing actions that will achieve Earth Trustee goals. This celebration has usually taken place during the March Equinox -- an occasion when night and day are equal in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

For Latin Organics, Earth Day is an important celebration, closely tied to our Corporate Mandate.

We will also be purchasing more coffee beans picked from this new coffee Harvest during our stay in Colombia. The packaging and shipment of the coffee beans will be supervised directly by us, so that we can rest assured that the shipment will arrive to Canada, Delicioso and ready for your enjoyment!

Martha Bowen, founder of Latin Organics™ was recently interviewed in Vancouver by Paola Quiroz who writes for Toronto's www.colombiaencanada.ca. Colombia en Canada focuses on finding outstanding personalities born in Colombia who have immigrated to Canada and who are making a difference within their new communities and are serving as role models for other Colombians who now call Canada, home. Please take note that this interview was undertaken in Spanish, as indicated on the phrase printed on Paola Quiroz's and Luis Quintero's black T-shirt, in the photograph shown here:   SE HABLA ESPANOL- SPANISH IS SPOKEN.  Happy reading…!
Click here to read the interview.

From March 27th to March 29th, Latin Organics participated in an important event with farmers and growers from this South American country. Several organic and natural products have been chosen by Latin Organics to be exported into the North American Market. A newspaper interview took place with the national newspaper El Espectador about Latin Organics Mission and how it is vital to create awareness with in the Colombian government about the importance of applying and supporting organic agriculture through out the country and the possibilities for more products to be included in Fair Trade programs.Martha Bowen was also interviewed by Tele Caribe, a local TV channel. During this business forum, Latin Organics communicated to several farmers that the company has interest in assisting and guiding them towards the Fair Trade process as well as in helping them contact Trans Fair Canada.

Latin Organics attends an important business meeting in Houston.

Texas. A written joint venture proposal was presented directly to Mr. Alvaro Uribe Velez, President of Colombia.
Latin Organics is working on creating a feasible platform that would allow the organic agriculture in Colombia to fully develop. It is vital that the organic agriculture in Colombia be developed with in international standards and competitive guidelines. Latin Organics wants to bring the Colombian government on board as an active player in the execution of this project. This important shift would give thousands of farmers some alternatives to secure their future and the well-being of their families, as well as, diminish the cultivation of illicit crops.