France, Alternative Libertaire AL #246 - Andean Cooperative: Ethics on pallets (fr, it, pt)

France, Alternative Libertaire AL #246 - Andean Cooperative:
Ethics on pallets (fr, it, pt) [machine translation]

Far scams "fair" type Max Havelaar, there are cooperatives that actually attach to how to 
produce, package, transport, distribute. Among them, Andean, Saint-Denis, which is seeking 
to develop. ---- Founded in 1987, the process of Andean is different from what is called 
in France "fair trade" because it is global and self-management. It applies everywhere 
(not just the "south" of the planet), all and all the workers involved along a chain (not 
only to producers), and it seamlessly. It is based on self-management in everyday life, 
both within the cooperative with its partners: the common goal is the collective 
development with respect for people and nature. ---- Not only everyone should live by 
their work properly, but also participate in economic, social and political life of his 
business, his community and his country. Andean is defined as a control tool in a process 
of social transformation.

Today Andean distributes in Europe, wholesale and retail, 2,000 food and craft products 
that come from 13 countries, including France. Andean retails in his shop (coffee, 
chocolate, quinoa, jams, beverages, spices, utilitarian objects, gifts, etc.) and works as 
a wholesaler with other shops, associations, trade unions, local authorities and 
committees business, excluding retail.

200 visitors every two months

As each of its partners, Andean is anchored in its territory: its premises are open Monday 
to Saturday, "doors open" attract every two months nearly 200 visitors and visitors, talk 
projections are organized and 70 meals are served at these events. Every Wednesday, the 
premises welcome the activity of a maintenance association of peasant agriculture (AMAP). 
The local exchange system (Sel) and other Saint-Denis organizations will also hold their 
meetings. A shared garden is also performed on site.

Andean co-founded the Minga network ( Minga.net ). It continuously informed about its 
activities and socio-economic issues dies, participates in advocacy campaigns and 
organizes training courses with the idea to swarm rather than grow inordinately ...

Nevertheless, Andean needs to grow today. In 2014, its turnover has increased, but its 
cash flow is insufficient to buy enough. Andean absolutely must find 250,000 euros (1,000 
persons that provide 250 euros) to rebuild a real working capital and create two to three 
new jobs from the 1st quarter of 2015. This will only be possible with the support of all 
those who are convinced that we must preserve existing economic alternatives.

The team of Andean, Celine, Veronique, Michel Renaud

Known production workers cooperatives, some strive to practice self-management (see 
"Network Meals: self-management scop" Libertarian Alternative in May 2012). Less known 
distribution cooperatives that are part of the same vein. Among them, the Andean 
cooperative, Saint-Denis.

Since 2012, Andean is a pillar of the Fair to self-management of Montreuil, and it is in 
this context that activists and AL activists met his amazing team. Far from the commercial 
tendencies that have corrupted the ideals of many cooperatives, Andean working with a 
requirement and a constant reflection on what it can do within the capitalist framework 
... with an anti-capitalist ethic.

Today, the cooperative needs funds to take the next step and we have gladly given him the 
floor.

Guillaume Davranche (AL Montreuil)

http://www.alternativelibertaire.org/?Cooperative-Andines-De-l-ethique