The Mayor's Office of San José del Guaviare awarded a recognition to Flor Alba Quevedo, as representative of the cooperative COOMFASOL, for her outstanding work in support of the campesino’s economy in the region.
The Mayor's Office of San José del Guaviare recognized and exalted the work of the COOMFASOL cooperative with the order Flor del Guaviare in the category of "Great servant.” This decoration, received by Flor Alba Quevedo as representative of the cooperative, highlights its work in economic reactivation and support to farmer producers. The recognition was made in the framework of the public hearing of accountability of the municipal government 2020-2023.
COOMFASOL is a cooperative of women who have left behind illicit crops. Its creation was supported by PASO Colombia and has become the anchor organization of the Guaviare Peace Network, which articulates five organizations today. During the last year, its work within the framework of the Network has led to several achievements that contribute to strengthening the farmer’s economy in the department.
Among them, it is worth mentioning that thanks to the organizational work led by COOMFASOL, Municipal Agreement No. 003 was issued, which institutionalized the farmer’s markets in the municipality of San José del Guaviare. This commercial space has allowed campesinos from nearby villages to organize themselves and bring their production to be sold in the departmental capital every month.
For its part, COOMFASOL has continued its support to encourage sustainable production in the organizations created within the framework of the Guaviare Peace Network , as well as new ones that have joined along the way. In this sense, COOMFASOL was elected representative of the organizations in the Technical Committee of Farmer Markets through a general vote. From this space, they watch over the correct realization of the markets, promote the diversification of agricultural production and motivate small and medium producers to provide food in other municipal marketing channels.
In addition, the management of the COOMFASOL cooperative achieved two sales agreements with the School Food Program (PAE) of products that were brought thanks to the Guaviare Peace Network.
During the award ceremony, Flor Alba Quevedo said about her work: "It is tremendous to reach a farm where there is nothing to sell, so let's grow, let's make a sustainable production, which we promote from COOMFASOL. And don't think it's strange that one day these products that come from us, organic, native, arrive at your homes."
Besides thanking the support received and the municipal administration, Flor extended an invitation to "continue accompanying the campesinos' markets. And promote the circular economy, buy what is ours, and support the producer with the possibility and confidence to continue producing sustainably."