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Hi, I'm Rene Beaujanot and I grow organic apples for Nature & More in Chile. I also grow organic blueberries,asparagus and other products. Our company, Sofsa, is a cooperation of 5 growers and is located near Chillan. The farms lie in the fertile valley of Itata. The valley is surrounded by the imposing Andes Mountains to the east and the coastal mountains to the west, both of which provide natural barriers from outside influences. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. Together with clean water from the Andes, this makes this region ideally suited to organic fruit production. 

The participating members of Sofsa share an interest in organic farming and have a long-standing history in their region. They are highly-experienced growers who seek to protect and enhance the extraordinary qualities of their particular region. Farming takes place in the lower valleys while the foothills of the Andes are covered with indigenous vegetation, much of which is not found anywhere else. 

All of the growers share an interest in and are committed to organic agriculture. By joining forces as an association, Sofsa has been able to hire a full-time agronomist who assists them with the ongoing challenges that nature has in store.  Realizing that organic farming has much to do with attitude, Sofsa growers employ traditional farming practices which have been proven in their region.  However, they are also open to employing the latest technology (such as mini sprinklers for irrigation), which appears to be suitable to further their goals. 

Sofsa's growers aim to be recognized as leaders in organic fruit production.  For them compliance with organic standards is only the beginning.  They aim to go beyond established quality standards.  Realizing the demand for additional values, Sofsa growers want to establish a relationship with their clients – and ultimately the consumer.  In this context they strive to heal an ailing planet by employing sound agricultural practices that are in harmony with nature.