We established our organization La Siembra as a worker co-operative back in 1999. Our co-op became the first registered importers of Fairtrade Certified cocoa and sugar in North America and today we work with 25 producer co-ops, supporting more than 47,500 family farmers in 14 countries.
La Siembra is worker-owned
Worker-owned co-operatives are business enterprises that are owned and governed by their employees. All worker co-operatives have two common characteristics:
- member-owners invest in and own the business together, and share the enterprise’s profits, risks, and
- decision-making is democratic, with each member having one vote.
Since our modest beginnings, we have recognized the critical role that the co-operative plays within the fair trade model in assisting individuals, their families and their communities to improve their standard of living. We choose to identify with our producer partners by adopting the same model that they follow in their own co-operatives – one of democracy, participation and transparency.
Beyond the basics, our worker co-operative structure has enabled La Siembra to attract a team of individuals who are not only passionate about fair trade and organic foods, but who are also passionate in their ideas of how a responsible should be run. Our membership is instrumental in shaping the mission, vision, values and strategic direction of the co-operative.
Our model is one of joint entrepreneurship and collectivism.
What are the benefits?
Member-owners:
- Have a vote in member meetings;
- Are entitled to run for board elections; and,
- Have the opportunity to participate in key organizational decisions.
Did you know that four in ten Canadians are members of a co-operative? This exceptional rate of participation in the co-operative economy includes everything from banking with your local credit union to buying everyday items such as food and gas from a co-operative business.
If you are interested in workplace democracy or transitioning an existing business to a worker-owned co-operative consider connecting with The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation.
Co-operative trade relations account for more than 70% of our purchases and close to 50% of our total sales
La Siembra Co-operative is a member of The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF), Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) and Cooperativas Sin Fronteras.
La Siembra Co-operative’s guiding principles
Fair trade:
We promote trading partnerships based on fairness, dialogue, transparency and respect in the pursuit of greater equity in international trade.
Vibrant communities:
We support sustainable community development through a commitment to organic/shade grown sourcing and fair trade practices.
Inter co-operation:
We prioritize partnerships with other co-operatives at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Open membership:
Membership is voluntary and non-discriminatory.
Democratic control:
Every member has one vote.
Economic participation:
Every member contributes equitably to the co-operative and participates in the democratic control of the co-op’s social capital.
Independant:
We are an autonomous organization controlled by our members.
Our workers
Finance & Administration
Kelly Storie
Executive Director (x290)
Peter Mungu
Finance Manager (x500)
Sales & Account Management
Lincoln Neal
Director of Sales (x400)
Céline Donelle
Customer Service Representative (x241)
OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS
Renato Sobrino
Manager, Purchasing & Quality Assurance (x330)
Rew MacCrimmon
Manager, Purchasing & Production (x299)
Taylor Eby
Inventory & Warehouse Manager (x295)
Kirk Jordan
Warehouse Coordinator (x276)
Morgan Simmons-Fiegel
Warehouse Coordinator (x276)
Careers
In 1999, La Siembra co-operative began importing fair trade and organic cocoa powder and sugar, manufacturing hot chocolate and selling Camino products across Canada. Today Camino is a leading fair trade and organic brand sold in over 4000 retail locations across the country.
La Siembra is now distributing both Camino products and Equal Exchange products in Canada. All the ingredients are fair trade and organic certified and are sourced from 25 producer co-operatives in 14 Southern countries, supporting over 47,500 family farmers.
As a worker co-operative, we value democracy, participation and transparency. All our employees are members or on track to become members within 14 months of employment. Worker owners have a voting share at our Annual General Meeting and are able to participate in certain levels of decisions regarding our co-op, while sharing the risks and benefits of the business.
If you have a passion for fair trade and are interested in joining our crew of co-entrepreneurs, we’d love to hear from you!
Open positions
We are currently hiring for the following positions.
No position currently available.