Associativity Model in the Colombian Coffee Sector: A Commitment to Rural Development

Abstract

Associativity is an organizational model with a longstanding presence in the history of the Colombian coffee sector. This study, conducted using a document review methodology, analyzed the stories, data, and figures of ten associative models that have undertaken the development of coffee processing plants in pursuit of higher quality standards in different regions of the country over the past ten years. The study concluded that the associativity model has been an effective strategy for improving the country’s coffee sector. Coffee unionization—through the National Federation, coffee‑growers’ cooperatives, and coffee producers’ associations—has enabled the sector to advance in crop improvement, industrialization, and the expansion of its market share, achieving many of its proposed goals thanks to cooperation, associativity, and teamwork.