Chile :: Calesa
Calesa from Cooperativa de Curicó
Calesa wines are produced by the
Cooperativa de Curicó in Chile—a co-op that supports 68 small-scale
farmers. The cellar processes grapes grown by its members, who all have an
equal voice in managing the co-op. Revenue generated from grape sales to the
cellar, as well as a premium paid by Etica, support technical and business
improvements for the co-op.
Fair Trade practices benefit those associated with the Cooperative de Curicó—from vineyard to cellar. Workers are free to join trade unions, and encouraged to support and maintain the worker-led Ecological and Social Fund. Objectives of the Ecological and Social Fund include improved farming methods, organic production, business training, technical assistance and Fair Trade education. The Fund also promotes social and cultural roles of the region, especially in the municipality of Rauco, where 65 percent of the population live under the poverty line, and an additional 15 percent live in extreme poverty conditions.
Ecological and Social Fund benefits include:
- Salary increases
- Housing down payments for workers
- Home improvement projects
- Irrigation loans
- Supplementary healthcare insurance
- A worker canteen
- A school bus for area children
- Computer classes
- Improved quality and marketability of other agriculture products (chilies and olives)