What You'll Learn
A practical overview of the knowledge and tools artisan cooperatives take away from our training program.
Knowledge that serves the cooperative directly
Our training is practical. Every session is designed so cooperatives leave with something they can use immediately, whether that is a completed document, a pricing spreadsheet, or a mapped list of potential buyers.
Module 1: Fair Trade Certification
Understand the certification landscape. Learn what documentation is required, how audits work, and how to prepare production records that meet third-party standards. Walk away with a self-audit checklist your cooperative can use independently.
Module 2: Dignified Pricing
Build a pricing model from scratch using your cooperative's actual costs. Learn to account for labor at a fair rate, materials, overhead, and margin. Practice presenting and defending your prices to buyers in role-play scenarios.
Module 3: Alternative Markets
Map the fair trade and solidarity economy channels relevant to your products. Learn how to evaluate each channel, how to approach buyers, and how to manage multiple market relationships without losing the cooperative's autonomy.
Module 4: Export Documentation
Work through the actual forms and documents required to export artisan crafts from Mexico. Understand customs processes, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary requirements. Leave with a complete export documentation checklist.
Module 5: Cooperative Governance
Strengthen internal governance using solidarity economy principles. Learn how to run democratic decision-making processes, document agreements, manage conflict, and onboard new members in a way that strengthens cohesion.
Module 6: Environmental Documentation
Learn how to document and communicate your cooperative's existing sustainable practices. Understand which environmental claims are recognized in export markets and how to present them accurately without overstatement.
Designed around how cooperatives actually work
Sessions can be held at our Xalapa location or at the cooperative's site. We work in Spanish, and training materials are provided in written format so all members can review them at their own pace.
We do not require cooperatives to complete all modules in sequence. Some groups start with pricing because that is their most immediate need. Others begin with certification because they have a buyer asking for documentation. Training follows the cooperative's priorities.
Concrete outputs from each module
Self-audit checklist
A fair trade process checklist your cooperative can apply and update independently over time.
Pricing spreadsheet
A cost-calculation tool built with your cooperative's real figures, ready to use in buyer negotiations.
Market map
A curated list of fair trade channels and buyer contacts relevant to your products and region.
Export document kit
Completed templates and instructions for all documents required to export your artisan products.