In 1988 CONACADO cacao co-op in the Dominican Republic formed to improve the quality of cacao exports in the DR, then controlled by just four major exporters who dictated poor quality and low prices. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />CACVRA co-op in Peru was originally a coffee co-op of indigenous farmers; they now grow cacao as well and by focusing on quality and organic production have won national awards for their beans. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Farmers decide themselves how to invest Fair Trade premiums in social development projects, such as school supplies, clinics or safe drinking water. These initiatives not only benefit the farmers, but their families and the surrounding communities.