Silvia Mendez

De La Gente

De la Gente is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise creating economic opportunity for small-scale coffee producers in Guatemala. We envision a coffee industry that is equitable and inclusive, that enables small-scale farmers to earn a dignified income and live prosperous lives, that facilitates authentic relationships between coffee producers and buyers, and that prioritizes economic, social and environmental needs of everyone involved. De La Gente has three areas of work: 1. COFFEE COMMERCIALIZATION We commercialize coffee from our partner cooperatives, providing improved market access for farmers while delivering a high quality product to roasters and consumers. DLG offers better and more stable prices to farmers. 2. COOPERATIVE ASSISTANCE We work to build the capacity of our partner co-ops to be successful farmer-run organizations that deliver economic benefits for their members and invest in continued improvement of their individual and collective abilities. COMMUNITY TOURISM We welcome visitors to the communities in which we work to authentically interact with and learn from coffee producers while providing an alternative income for farmers and their families. AWARENESS RAISING We seek to cultivate conscientious coffee consumers by educating our supporters about the rise of the coffee industry in Guatemala and its impact on the communities with which we work.