Bolivia: Association of organizations of Bolivian biological producers (AOPEB)
The context: Bolivian rural sector is particularly vulnerable. Agricultural activities are risky and low-income due to erratic 
weather and price fluctuations on the market. And yet 40% of Bolivians live in rural areas. The poverty rate is therefore high.
The origins of organic agriculture date back to about 20 years ago. The objective of this type of farming was to guarantee a sustainable production which would both increase the income and therefore improve the living conditions of producers and ensure soil fertility renewal and sustainable use of land resources. Organic products are marketed in the country or exported. This economic activity constitutes an important opportunity for small Bolivian farmers.
A project to assist the local population: Founded in 1991, Bolivian Association of Organic Producer Organizations (AOPEB) is a national organization which brings together over 40 small farmers organizations, cooperatives, micro-enterprises). They produce, transform and market organic products. Its objective is to improve the living conditions of farmers i.e. increase their income and assure food self-sufficiency. On the other hand, AOBEP strives to foster further development of a reliable network by formulating national quality standards which add value to the production and facilitate certification for the external as well as for the local market.
With the aim of supporting the sector’s development AOPEB carries out various activities designed to assure institutional and legislative reinforcement as well as to provide its members with assistance in the field of consultancy, research, project and financial management as well as with technical help.
A project which brings results: Since 2003 AOPEB and SOS Faim have been working together to commercialize organic products on the Bolivian market. Some results have been already achieved, other actions are in progress:
- Opening of eight organic stores “Súper Ecológicos” in the main Bolivian cities (La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz);
- Creation of an independent national certification agency for agricultural products which will guarantee product quality.
- Creation of a small support fund designed to strengthen organic products production and marketing chain, to facilitate collecting or harvesting of the products for the national market, to help to finance the purchase of equipment and tools.
- Providing training for the organic producers’ organizations in the field of production, transformation and marketing.
- Information and promotional campaigns seeking to boost demand and consumption of organic products.
