Last Friday marked the 40th anniversary of COOPEUMO, a farming cooperative in Peumo, Chile. For the past 40 years this community has been working together to provide food for their country and a better standard of living for their families. Over four hundred small producers participate in the cooperative. Through the Datagro project, DataDyne.org in collaboration with our partner, the Zoltner Consulting Group, has been working closely with COOPEUMO to test the Moblie Information Project technology. Using cell phones and the MIP open source software program, farmers can use text messaging to access locally-relevant information that improves productivity; including market prices, agricultural data and news.

To use the cliché - information is power. By creating a platform that allows these farmers access to information that they determine is relevant, the cooperative can compete more effectively in the global marketplace and to protect and develop their livelihood.  It was an honor to join in their celebration (I even learned a new dance step or two!). We wish them another 40 years of success and innovation. For more pictures of the event, see the DataDyne.org photo page.