Stories of Argentinean Producers: Yerba Mate in Misiones

They carry out biodynamic agriculture, a series of methods that recognize the earth and the people who work on it as a unique agricultural organism. This means they are constantly in contact with nature and create a genuine link with the produce they obtain.

For 20 years, they have been working collaboratively and in unison in the La abundancia (The abundance) cooperative, which Karen currently chairs and where they share their biodynamic techniques.

Here, with the goal of self-sufficiency, they successfully help each other to make productive processes easier.

The province of Misiones is the biggest producer of yerba mate in Argentina, which is the biggest producer globally. This is thanks to the beneficial climate conditions where the plant originated from and the fact that mate is a key part of the lives of Argentinians.

The antioxidant and energizing properties of mate are just one element of the appeal of its infusion. It is a social drink for sharing that erases differences and unites strangers. Even Karen, born in Ecuador, admits she cannot live without drinking mate.