With heart in the strawberry: Two women from Bolivia found in that crop an opportunity for work and roots in Neuquén.

Strawberry production is growing in the Plottier area, in Neuquén, given the attributes of a region that combines optimal climate, soil, and water conditions. In that sector, strawberries occupy more than 130 hectares and according to data from the National Sanitary Registry (Renspa), there are 71 producers with an average of 2 hectares each. Strawberry production from Neuquén reaches 2900 tons per campaign and the trade brings together mostly Bolivian workers. The production begins thanks to two nurseries existing in the locality, which not only supply the region but also the country. Benita Rojas Apaza and Ana Janco, come from different points in Bolivia. Both were attracted by better job opportunities, arrived in Patagonia and fell in love with strawberries, a crop that they later complemented with other productions. Benita Rojas Apaza crossed the border in December 2006 to settle with her husband in the province of Neuquén. Coming from Potosí, he worked in the production of ...