The Department of Co-operatives held a registration ceremony for the Toledo Coconut Growers Co-operative Society Limited on December 16, 2021. This new co-operative has transitioned from an ad hoc farmers’ group to a formal enterprise under the oversight of the department. Its new status gives it access to auditing, conflict resolution services, and entrepreneurial development programs, among others.
The co-operative will operate from Big Falls Village, Toledo. It has 22 members ─ 16 men and six women ─ from various villages and communities in the Toledo District. Collectively, they have planted 80 acres of coconut.
During the ceremony, remarks were made by Mr. Servulo Baeza, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise; Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government and Area Representative for Toledo West; Mr. Carlos Juarez, Chairman of the Co-operative; Mr. Densford Mangar, Extension Officer; Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Co-operatives; and Ms. Omaira Avila, Country Representative, CARDI. Present were farmers of the co-operative, community leaders, the District Agriculture Coordinator, and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
