Maya Vinic is a cooperative of approximately 500 coffee farming families residing in 38 highland communities spread over the mountainous municipalities of Chenalhó, Pantelhó, and Chalchihuitán in Chiapas, Mexico— the most southern of Mexico’s states. On average, each co-op farmer member owns a one-hectare coffee farm and produces 400 kilos of coffee annually. Inspired by the cultural and linguistic traditions of their ancestors, Maya Vinic is deeply committed to ecological sustainability, self-governance, protection of the natural environment, and climate resiliency.
The impetus for founding Maya Vinic emerged from the aftermath of the tragic 1997 Acteal massacre, which claimed the lives of 45 members of their base organization Las Abejas — or “The Bees” in English. Three years later, the founding members of Maya Vinic began a new life for their communities by organizing, training, and working tirelessly to reclaim the land, prune, compost, and secure a fair market for their coffee.
With resilience and unwavering dedication, the members of Maya Vinic embarked on a path of transformation. They organized themselves, underwent extensive training, and tirelessly worked to reclaim their land. Through meticulous efforts such as pruning and composting, they nurtured their surroundings, allowing nature to flourish once again. Their commitment extended beyond the physical realm, as they sought to secure a fair market for their coffee, ensuring that their labor was justly rewarded.
Maya Vinic serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a community that refused to be defined by tragedy. From the ashes of despair, they rose, united in their pursuit of justice, peace, and autonomy. Through their actions, they not only rebuilt their lives but also redefined their identity as a collective. Maya Vinic stands as a shining example of resilience, reminding us all of the power of hope, determination, and community.
Maya Vinic is dedicated to producing high-quality coffee through sustainable farming techniques and capacity-building activities for their members. The cooperative’s coffee has a classic Chiapas profile, characterized by medium body, bright acidity, and balanced flavors of caramel, dark chocolate, spices, and a hint of fruit. The group is in the fourth year of a “farmer field school” project that has helped farmers learn to deal with the changing climate by increasing their knowledge of, and dedication to, deep organic farming practices.
Maya Vinic’s mission goes well beyond coffee production. The co-op is dedicated to more than just growing and selling coffee. They are committed to supporting their farmers and the wider community, striving to create economic opportunities that lead to dignified livelihoods and improved living conditions. Their efforts extend to both local and international markets.
One of the ways Maya Vinic achieves their mission is by selling their green and roasted coffee throughout Mexico. By doing so, they not only promote their products but also support the local economy. Additionally, they operate a producer-managed coffee shop in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Situated on the bustling “andador” in the colonial center of the city, this coffee shop not only serves as a platform to showcase their coffee but also contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Maya Vinic’s dedication to their farmers and community sets them apart. They go the extra mile by focusing on creating sustainable economic opportunities that uplift the lives of their farmers. Through their initiatives, they aim to empower their farmers to achieve dignified livelihoods and improve their overall quality of life. By selling their coffee both locally and internationally, they are able to expand their reach and impact, creating a positive change in the coffee industry.
In conclusion, Maya Vinic’s mission is not limited to coffee production but encompasses a broader focus on supporting their farmers and the community. By selling their coffee and operating a producer-managed coffee shop, they are able to create economic opportunities and improve living conditions. Their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact make them a standout in the industry.
If you’ve been thinking of trying their coffee, now is a great time to do it. Through the end of April we will be offering a 20% discount on Maya Vinic’s coffee and free shipping for orders over $50– just use the code 20MEX at checkout.
