La Siembra Co-operative, Inc., in Ottawa, Ontario, is an employee-owned, democratically-run worker co-operative, established in 1999. As North America’s first Fairtrade Certified cocoa and sugar importers, they support over 47,500 family farmers globally. Employee-owners invest in and govern the business, sharing profits and making decisions democratically. Recognizing co-operatives’ vital role in fair trade, they align with producer partners through democracy, participation, and transparency. Their structure attracts individuals passionate about fair trade and responsible business practices. Members shape the co-operative’s direction, embodying joint entrepreneurship and collectivism.
