Jocelyn Soto - Wine Grower at Viñedos Emiliana
Growing wine is about more than wine. For Jocelyn, it is about fairness, stability, and knowing that her job can support a decent life for her and those around her.
At 36, Jocelyn Soto spends long days harvesting grapes in Chile’s Casablanca Valley -but for her, the work is about more than wine. It is about fairness, stability, and knowing that her job can support a decent life for her and those around her
Viñedos Emiliana S.A . is one of the world’s largest –and first Chilean organic vineyards .In the vineyard, that sense of equality is immediate. ‘When we work in groups, the boys always say ‘Come on girl, come with us’… they never leave me behind ,’ she says. Tasks are shared, not divided: ‘I cut, they take the buckets out… we divide everything equally .’
But for Jocelyn, fairness goes beyond the field. ‘I want my rights and those of my colleagues to be protected… to keep having access to decent housing or health insurance ,’ she explains —rights that Fairtrade supports to make possible.
Investing in workers is investing in the community
Through the Fairtrade Premium, workers at Emiliana collectively decide how to invest in what matters most. That has led to concrete improvements: upgrading workers’ homes , creating funds to cover medical costs not included in national healthcare, and providing school kits for workers’ children. Community-wide projects including repairing a local church, improving a recreation centre, and building a bridge -are strengthening the wider area too.
These changes translate into greater security and dignity in everyday life. Jocelyn points to the importance of recognition: ‘I want everyone's work to continue being recognised with the [Fairtrade] Premium’
Our impact stories
See the real-world impact of Fairtrade through powerful stories from farmers, workers, and communities around the globe. Visit our Impact Stories page to discover how fairer trade transforms lives, builds resilience, and drives lasting change.
