‘Red Comal’ is a civil society organization that represents approximately 150 community stores and 40 small-scale producer groups in 6 Honduran departments. Comal has been active for 10 years, supporting the peasant economy through equitable and community-based commercialization processes, the promotion of agricultural production, increased training opportunities, and the defense of social and economic rights.
The Exchange Unit project, or UDIS, started operating in 2004. This project entails Comal’s emission of (UDIS) vouchers to purchase peasant products, make payments to local suppliers and service providers, and finance a loan portfolio that aims to support agricultural and agroindustrial activities. These UDIS loans are characterized by more favorable interest rates, given that they do not incur financial costs. These vouchers circulate locally in several businesses and establishments, including community stores. These stores, in turn, can also make use of the vouchers to purchase goods in the regional wholesale units of ‘Red Comal.’
Another strategic axis of the project consists of supporting small agroindustrial enterprises by encouraging organic production. For instance, the project supports an organic fertilizer factory and the production of ground organic molasses, and organic aloe vera soap and shampoo among other things.
Economia Solidaria - Red Comal from Red Comal on Vimeo.
