Question 1

What is Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda.?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. is a multiactivity cooperative in Paraguay specializing in agricultural production, industrial services, savings, and credit. Based in Eusebio Ayala (formerly Barrero Grande), Cordillera Department, the cooperative serves over 12,000 members across the region. It is classified as a Type A cooperative by INCOOP (Instituto Nacional de Cooperativismo), the highest transparency classification in Paraguay's cooperative system.

The institution operates multiple branches throughout the Cordillera region. It provides financial services, agricultural support, and industrial services to rural communities and small-scale producers.

Question 2

When was Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. founded?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. was founded on February 10, 1974, following six months of organizational efforts led by Analicio Gaona, a functionary of the Agricultural Extension Service (SEA). The founding assembly took place at the municipal building in Eusebio Ayala, with 38 pioneers—30 men and 8 women—from the community.

The cooperative was established to address the economic and social needs of residents in what was then known as Barrero Grande. Initial activities focused on savings mobilization and providing technical and credit assistance to members cultivating rice and cotton, which were economically significant crops at the time.

Question 3

Where is Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. headquartered?

Accepted Answer

The cooperative is headquartered in Eusebio Ayala, Cordillera Department, Paraguay. Its main office is located in the city center.

Question 4

Where does Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. operate?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. operates throughout the Cordillera Department in central Paraguay. The institution maintains six branches, all in cooperative-owned buildings:
• Eusebio Ayala (headquarters)
• Tobatí (opened November 16, 1988)
• Isla Pucú (opened December 18, 1995)
• Piribebuy (opened November 1, 1996)
• Caraguatay (opened September 4, 2003)
• Valenzuela (opened December 26, 2015)

The cooperative primarily serves rural communities and agricultural producers throughout these locations.

Question 5

What services does Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. offer?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. offers a comprehensive range of financial and agricultural services:

Savings Services: Demand deposit accounts and fixed-term savings accounts with competitive interest rates for members.

Credit Services: Agricultural loans, consumer credit, and microfinance products tailored to small producers. The cooperative initially set a maximum credit limit of 10,000 guaraníes at its founding, with interest rates below traditional banking institutions.

Agricultural Support: Technical assistance for agricultural production, particularly for rice, cotton, and other regional crops. Industrial services supporting agro-industrial activities.

Member Benefits: Social benefits including marriage subsidies, birth subsidies, funeral services, and educational programs as part of cooperative solidarity principles.

The cooperative maintains lower interest rates on loans compared to traditional banks while offering higher returns on savings deposits.

Question 6

What makes Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. unique?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. stands out for its transformation from a modest rural cooperative into a financially solid institution with Type A classification. This classification indicates the highest level of transparency and regulatory compliance among Paraguayan cooperatives, with regular external audits and financial reporting to INCOOP.

The cooperative owns all its branch properties, demonstrating financial stability and long-term commitment to its communities. Despite facing early challenges including member withdrawals and loan defaults that resulted in losses, the institution persevered through dedicated leadership and member commitment.

Its website at labarrerena.coop.py provides digital access to information for members. The cooperative has grown from 38 founding members to over 12,000 members, serving multiple generations of families in the Cordillera region.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda.?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. is a Cooperativa de Producción Agroindustrial de Servicios (Agroindustrial Production and Services Cooperative) in Paraguay's cooperative financial system. It holds Type A classification from INCOOP, placing it among the most transparent and well-regulated cooperatives in the country.

As a multiactivity cooperative, it combines agricultural production support, industrial services, and financial intermediation (savings and credit). This model differs from traditional banks, as cooperatives are member-owned institutions governed by democratic principles rather than profit maximization. Members are both owners and customers, sharing in the cooperative's surplus and participating in governance decisions.

Cooperatives in Paraguay are regulated by INCOOP and follow the Universal Cooperative Principles rather than traditional banking regulations, though Type A cooperatives maintain high standards of financial reporting and governance.

Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda.

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About Cooperativa La Barrerena Ltda. in Paraguay