Feb 10 • 19:56 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

"We have no money": grape growers gave away grapes in a protest that exposed a productive crisis

Grape growers in Mendoza, Argentina protested against low grape prices by giving away grapes, highlighting the severe crisis facing the wine industry as vendimia season begins.

In Mendoza, Argentina, grape producers organized a protest in response to the low prices offered by wineries ahead of the 2026 vendimia season. This demonstration is set against a backdrop of a historical global crisis in wine consumption, and the attendees voiced their frustrations about the economic challenges they face in harvesting grapes. The agricultural sector in Mendoza is deeply affected, with many producers struggling to sustain their livelihoods due to the depressed prices of their products.

The protest featured an unusual tactic where the growers and other farmers took to the streets of Mendoza's microcenter and began distributing fruits and vegetables to passersby. This act aimed not only to raise awareness of their dire situation but also to engage the community in their struggle. By giving away food, the protesters hoped to draw attention to the hardships that local producers are confronting and to invoke solidarity among consumers and citizens.

This event reflects broader systemic issues in Argentina's agricultural sector, particularly within the wine industry. The growing discontent among grape growers points to significant implications for the future of wine production in the region, which is traditionally known for its vineyards. As these local producers continue to fight for fair compensation and attention from larger wine companies, the sustainability of their livelihoods may hang in the balance, necessitating urgent support and policy intervention from authorities.

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