Patagonian Fruit
Video
Hi, I'm Hugo Sanchez and I grow organic apples and pears for Nature & More in Argentina in the Rio Negro Valley.
The Rio Negro valley has always had an ideal climate for apple and pear production. The climate combined with fertile soil, a protective valley and the two rivers make it a perfect fruit growing region. However, production only really expanded in 1922 when the railroad was constructed and markets could be reached. Many of the original packing houses where build next to the railroad to ensure a smooth transition by train to the Buenos Aires port.
The farms of Patagonian Fruits actually comprise several orchards totalling about 600 ha located in the province Rio Negro at the northern edge of Patagonia in Argentina. Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America: mostly located in Argentina and partly in Chile. The name Patagonia comes from the word Patagon: a mythical race of tall people living on the coastline of Patagonia.
Most of the Patagonian orchards are between 20 and 30 ha in size and are separated from each other by a row of poplars that serve as windbreaks. The Patagonian farms are mostly family owned. Each farmer takes his own responsibility for the orchard, the fruits and the employees. Patagonian assists them with harvest equipment and logistics. Furthermore, to realize great tasting, beautiful fruit, the company sends quality managers to the orchards to assess and assist where necessary. Some larger orchards are owned by myself, Hugo Sanchez, aliong with Patagonian Fruits. These orchards are coordinated by myself and I live with my family at one of the farms.
The harvest season runs from January through to March and during this period we employ around 400 people at the Patagonian farms and in the packing stations. The permanent staff, about 100 employees, are people who live with their families on the farms or nearby in the village.
About the taste of Hugo's apples:
"Hi,I just discovered the small label on the side of an organic apple i was about to eat that i purchased from my local Tesco store. I think this is a great idea, connecting people and the growers. I have to say these apples are absolutely amazingly tasty, and being organic is always a good thing. Thanks, organic farming is the future."
Posted by DAVID from SCOTLAND at Jun 03, 2011 12:11 PM

How about them apples