A new mural depicting a Sri Lankan cinnamon farmer is being installed at New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville as part of a national campaign celebrating Fairtrade Month this October.
The mural, painted by Iowa City-based artist Thomas Agran, features A.G. Nandasena, who grows cinnamon for Frontier Co-op’s spice line sold at the store. It is one of three murals commissioned by Fairtrade America, the organization behind the Fairtrade Mark certification label.
“Having spent some years working on organic vegetable farms, I have experienced first hand the dedication and care it takes to both nurture crops and steward the land. Bringing greater awareness to the inequities baked into our food system is increasingly critical,” Mr. Agran said.
Amanda Archila, executive director of Fairtrade America, said the murals were commissioned to help address exploitation of small-scale farmers.
“For decades, powerful companies have exploited the small-scale farmers behind products that Americans know and love – chocolate, ice cream and spices. By not paying fairly for goods and labor, they have left farmers and their communities living in poverty,” she said.
Mr. Nandasena, 78, belongs to the Small Organic Farmers Association in Sri Lanka and has farmed with the cooperative for more than 20 years. He grows cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper and turmeric on farmland he describes as a “forest garden,” where cash crops grow among native plants – an approach that helps preserve biodiversity, prevents soil erosion and increases shade.
Connecting consumers, farmers
Fairtrade America’s annual Fairtrade Month campaign aims to connect shoppers, grocers and brands with the farmers who grow their food.
Similar murals are being installed at Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market in Richmond, Virginia, featuring cocoa farmer Aminata Sannoh, and at Sioux Falls Food Co+op in South Dakota, featuring vanilla farmer Marie Ronette Botramisy.
“Many people feel more disconnected than ever from where their food comes from and disenfranchised by the corporate monopolies that dominate the food industry. Co-ops allow people to have a choice in the marketplace,” said Barb Danielson, marketing director at New Pioneer Food Co-op. “We are noticing an increased vigor from shoppers to be intentional with their food dollars, making it clear people want to be part of the solution for a more equitable system that benefits all of us.”
Frontier Co-op Marketing Lead Stephanie Yoder-Schulte said Fairtrade certification helps the farmers and workers behind their products receive more equitable wages, participate in safe working conditions and benefit from community development initiatives.
“It’s not just about quality ingredients – it’s about creating a resilient supply chain rooted in transparency, equity, and long-term sustainability,” she said.
Mr. Agran’s mural will be unveiled Oct. 4. at New Pioneer Co-op, 1101 Second St. in Coralville.
