The influence of Fair-tradein the Development of Capital: the Dos Costas Coffee Cooperative case

Abstract

This work is the result of an interest in understanding the influence of Fair-trade in the development of capital. In addition, the study aimed at investigating the influence of Fair-trade on the development of capital among Fair-trade coffee growers associated with the Cooperative “Dos Costas”, which is based in the municipality of Boa Esperança-MG. The conduct of the research allowed the investigation of the existence of relationships of trust, cooperation and participation between the actors, as well as the ties that hold the group together and moving in the same direction. The qualitative research included documentary analysis, intentional in-depth interviews (three coffee farmers who manage the cooperative) and for convenience (six associated coffee farmers), and non-participant observation. The results showed the influence of Fair-trade in fostering collaborative work, strengthening the already existing relationships of trust, cooperation and participation, among coffee growers, and also contributing to the formation of new ties and the development of capital.