The Chilecito Valley in Argentina has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a symbol of environmental resistance to a thriving hub for sustainable cannabis cultivation. In the early 2000s, residents rallied against a massive mining project, chanting “Agua sí, oro no” (Water yes, gold no) to protect their precious glacier water. The mining company eventually abandoned its plans in 2007.
Fast forward to 2018, and the people of Chilecito Valley shifted their focus towards a more environmentally friendly economic alternative: cannabis. Agrogenetica Riojana, a mixed-capital company founded in 2009, has become a key player in this transformation. They operate a network of local greenhouses, providing plants and training to farmers, enabling them to cultivate pharma-grade cannabis.
“We are in La Rioja, a small province with a dry climate and abundant sunshine, perfect conditions for growing and processing high-quality cannabis,” explains Benjamin Enrici, CEO of Agrogenetica Riojana. He envisions medical cannabis as a means for local producers to command higher prices for their goods, creating a sustainable future for the region.
The company’s approach is centered around connecting small and medium enterprises in the Valley with cannabis companies and investors. This fosters research and development in controlled environments, leveraging the unique characteristics of the Chilecito Valley.
“We already make some of the best wines in the world, why not cannabis?” asks Enrici, referencing Argentina’s renowned wine industry. The dry desert climate, with its average temperature, humidity, and lack of rainfall, creates a naturally challenging environment for mold, yeast, bacteria, and pests, making it ideal for cannabis cultivation. Combined with the expertise of local agronomists and farmers, Chilecito Valley has become a natural laboratory for cannabis.
However, the region faces challenges. The mechanization of olive and nut production, while increasing output, has led to job losses and made operations more expensive for small farmers. Enrici highlights the need for access to credit and higher market value for local commodities. “If our farmers can produce high-quality specialty crops, in smaller plots of land, they may have a chance to thrive,” he explains.
Enrici’s own journey to cannabis began in 2012 during a trip to Davis, California, where he was seeking pistachio seeds for Chilecito farmers. He discovered the cannabis industry and envisioned bringing this crop back to Argentina. It wasn’t until 2021 that Agrogenetica Riojana was able to register a cannabis genetic variety with the National Seed Institute, paving the way for legal cultivation and commercialization. The company achieved GMP and GFP certifications in 2024, ensuring sustainable and socially responsible practices.
The introduction of cannabis cultivation has brought about a new economic opportunity for the Valley. For young people like Belen, who witnessed her friends migrate to larger cities for work, cannabis offered a chance to stay in her hometown and build a career. The industry has also provided alternatives for women like Roxana and Analia, who previously worked in more traditional roles.
While some initial skepticism about cannabis existed, the benefits and medicinal applications of the plant have become increasingly understood. Santos, a fourth-generation agricultural worker, embraces the new industry, highlighting the transferable skills from traditional farming practices and the growing acceptance of medical marijuana.
Agrogenetica Riojana’s model goes beyond local production. The company collaborates with international companies to conduct research and development on cannabis genetics, offering a cost-effective alternative to Europe, Canada, and other regions. They leverage Argentina’s unique legal framework, which allows for the patenting of legal cannabis varieties at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.
Enrici sees a bright future for the Valley, particularly in the burgeoning Brazilian cannabis market. Agrogenetica Riojana has already launched a brand of pharmaceutical cannabis oil, “Federal,” available by prescription, and aims to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality cannabis products in Brazil.
Beyond global markets, Enrici emphasizes the potential of the domestic market, advocating for regulations that would allow local farmers to produce high-quality CBD flowers for patients enrolled in the Health Ministry’s medical marijuana program. He believes that Chilecito Valley can become a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable cannabis, meeting the needs of patients across Argentina while protecting public health.
The story of Chilecito Valley is a testament to the power of adaptation and resilience. The community, once known for its environmental activism, has embraced a new opportunity, transforming the Valley into a hub of innovation and sustainable economic development.
