Welcome to the first installment of Get To Know The Grower, where we sit down with one of our amazing growers and ask them a range of questions to better understand who they are, what they do and why they do it!

Today, we sit down with Paulo Duarte, Orchard/Field Manager at Ecosac Agricola who grows and packs SUNRAYS® grapes in Peru.

Q: When did you start growing grapes?

PAULO: The first experimental plot was planted in 2003. The first commercial lots were planted in 2006 with the Red Globe variety and the first commercial production was in 2007.

Q: What are your favorite grape varieties and why?

PAULO: I have some favorite varieties, but I believe that the Autumn Crisp variety is one that is on the top of my favorite list, due to its agronomic and commercial characteristics. Agronomic because it is a variety of high fertility, very good production, excellent size and their commercial characteristics because it is a variety of firm and crunchy berries, with good flavor, has a good shelf life and with a lot of acceptance in different markets.

Q: How difficult is it to grow grapes?

PAULO: The table grape is a crop sensitive to pests and diseases; It is a crop that requires a lot of labor to produce the best quality grapes. Additionally, today we have many varieties available to grow, each variety has its specific handling. It is also difficult that commercial windows are decreasing. The competition between the grape-producing areas is becoming increasingly important. I think these are the biggest difficulties.

Q: What’s the most fun part about growing grapes?

PAULO: Its dynamics, complexity and by itself treating a simply fantastic fruit that unites high technology demands with management that is artisanal.

Q: What are you doing to protect the environment?

PAULO: We make sure to always the consider the environment in our various processes. Some examples are using LED lights in our packing houses to reduce energy consumption, installing solar panels, creation of new habitats and constantly monitoring air quality, water quality and flora and fauna. We also make sure to respect and incorporate wildlife in our processes. In fact, we have hawks and eagles near the vineyards which play an important role in the care of our grapes, as they prey on other smaller birds that feed from the grape bunches.

Q: After the grapes, what are your passions?

PAULO: My biggest passion are my family, my work with table grapes (33 years working with this crop and growing more and more the passion), traveling, seeing new places, looking for new things to learn and to teach, soccer and barbecue with my family and friends. My wife helps an orphanage in Piura for disabled children.