Francisco has been a member of La Riojana Co-operative for more than 40 years and his grapes are used to make Traidcraft Torrontes wine.
Francisco is the third generation of his family to live and farm in the little town of Anguinan. A widower, he now shares the family home with his daughter Gloria, son-in-law Miguel, and grandchildren, Bruno and Lucia.
As well as his vineyards, Francisco has a small farm at the back of his home which provides food for his family, with the surplus being sold by son-in-law Miguel at the Saturday market in nearby Chilecito.
"Without the co-op I would not exist," Francisco says. "There are big benefits for me. I get a lot of professional assistance. The Co-op also gives me money to help with the vintage, to buy organic fertilisers and gasoline."
The needs of small-scale farmers like Francisco are at the heart of the co-op's philosophy. It not only buys grapes at above the market price, but is the only co-operative in Argentina to provide insurance against storm damage.
When asked about time off or plans to retire, Francisco laughs. "I work every day. I don’t have a day off. I’m busy with irrigation, with working in the vineyards."
Francisco's day begins at 6am and he usually goes to bed about 10pm, with a one hour siesta in the afternoon. As well as farming, he also finds time to write for the local newspaper, usually about community and agricultural issues that are close to his heart.
His grandchildren often visit to help out on the farm and Francisco is very keen to pass on his farming skills to the younger generation. "I've worked as part of a local programme which brings children from the local primary school to my farm," he explains. "They can learn how to plant and to plough, and take care of animals."
Farming in this remote, semi-desert area, between two mountain ranges, means that the weather conditions are harsh for humans but ideal for growing grapes.
"We have very low rainfall and good sun. All our grapes are organic. I think we have the very best wine in the world!" Francisco says. "Making wine is a passion."
About La Riojana
La Riojana is a FLO-registered co-operative winery in Chilecito. It has approximately 500 members, most of whom are small-scale producers.
The farmers see their most important benefit as the fair trade price for the grapes, but there are also a number of social benefits, including insurance against storm and frost damage, and access to free technical assistance and advice.
Buy wine from La Riojana
Support growers like Francisco by buying Traidcraft wine.
"I am very happy to know that people are enjoying our wine in the UK. When I see the containers outside and I know that they are going to England, I am very proud. Sometimes it is unbelievable."
