Donate now Faq
What is FUNDEPPO? FUNDEPPO’s complete name is “Fundación de Pequeños Productores Organizados, Asociación Civil” (Foundation of Organized Small Producers, a Civil Association). FUNDEPPO is an independent entity, although its policies are governed by CLAC’s guidelines and supervision. FUNDEPPO is a non-profit organization founded by CLAC in order to manage and promote the Small Producers’ Symbol. Why a Small Producers’ Symbol? Given the current domination by large production companies, it is necessary for small producers’ organizations to inform consumers, businesses, and society as a whole—through their products—regarding the ways in which they work and their achievements and values. Why another seal if there are already so many? The Small Producers’ Symbol is the only seal that focuses exclusively on distinguishing products of small producers’ organizations. Another unique feature of this seal is that it has been created and is promoted by the small producers themselves, who work to maintain the objectivity of the certification system. This Symbol responds to the certification and production needs of small producers’ organizations. What does the certification process consist of? There are two procedures:
The first procedure is based on a document-based evaluation, and the second includes both a document-based evaluation and a field evaluation. To become registered, buyers should consult the Small Producers’ Symbol Handbook and apply for registration through the Application Form. How can I participate as a Buyer? If I am a buyer and I want to use the Small Producers’ Symbol, I need to buy products from certified Small Producers’ Organizations and register as a Buyer of the Small Producers’ Symbol. There are two procedures:
The first procedure is based on a document-based evaluation, and the second includes both a document-based evaluation and a field evaluation. To become registered, buyers should consult the Small Producers’ Symbol Handbook and apply for registration through the Application Form. How much will it cost me to use the symbol if I am a Small Producers’ Organization? Small Producers’ Organizations pay a certification fee to the Certification Entity authorized by FUNDEPPO. After receiving a positive Certification Report, the Small Producers’ Organizations pay FUNDEPPO an Annual Enrollment Fee. Both the costs for the annual enrollment fee and the basic rates for certification are indicated in the Regulations on Costs. There are predetermined rates for certification through the Quick Procedure, based on the size of the organization. The costs for certification through the Complete Procedure (including a field evaluation) are calculated for each specific applicant, according to the Basic Rates. The proposed fee will be sent to the organization after it has applied for certification under the Small Producers’ Symbol. How much will it cost me to use the symbol if I am a Buyer? Buyers must cover two types of fees: the fees for the registration process and the user’s fee of the Small Producers’ Symbol. Registration fees are paid to the Certification Entity authorized by FUNDEPPO. The basic rates for registration are indicated in the Regulations on Costs of the Small Producers’ Symbol. A fixed fee has been established for Registration through the Quick Procedure. The costs for Registration through the Complete Procedure (including a Field Evaluation) are calculated for each specific applicant, according to the Basic Rates. The proposed fee will be sent to the buyer after it has applied for Registration with the Small Producers’ Symbol. The User’s Fee for the Symbol is calculated at 1% of the total value (including surcharges and taxes) of all purchases made within the Small Producers’ Symbol system and is paid to FUNDEPPO. If I have another certification, can I still use the Symbol? The fact that an Organization has other certifications is not an obstacle for acquiring certification under the Small Producers’ Symbol, nor does it imply automatic approval. Other certifications may be useful during the evaluation and examination phase of certification process. |
