Mate tea holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people in South America, particularly in Argentina’s Misiones Province. Here, the production of mate tea is a vital part of the local economy, with laborers known as “tareferos” working tirelessly in the forests to harvest the leaves that are later dried, packaged, and distributed across the region and beyond. The workers get paid based on the weight of the leaves they collect, and for many, mate tea is not just a labor commodity but also a source of energy during their long workdays.
The tradition of harvesting mate tea in Misiones dates back to the Spanish colonial era, when Indigenous tribes worked on Jesuit plantations in the region. For them, mate tea is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of culture and strength. The Argentine government has historically supported the mate industry with price controls and subsidies to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their work. However, recent financial measures implemented by President Javier Milei, aimed at fixing the economy, have created uncertainty for both producers and laborers in the mate industry.
Milei’s policies, which include deregulating prices and removing government interventions, have raised concerns among small producers who fear that they will be unable to compete with larger companies in the free market. Many worry that they may be pushed out of the market altogether, similar to what happened in the 1990s when liberal policies wreaked havoc on small producers. This uncertainty has left workers like Antonio Pereyra Ramos, who oversees a team of 18 workers, worried about the future of their jobs and livelihood as they face the looming economic crisis.
The potential impact of deregulating mate tea prices on small producers is a cause for concern in the region, as many fear that they may not be able to survive the changes in the market. With the government’s support, the mate industry has thrived in Misiones, providing employment opportunities and cultural significance to the local communities. However, the shift towards liberal economic policies could have detrimental effects on the livelihoods of tareferos and mate producers, threatening the sustainability of an industry that has been a cornerstone of the region for generations.
As workers prepare for possible mass layoffs and economic hardships, the future of the mate industry in Misiones remains uncertain. The delicate balance between tradition, culture, and economic viability hangs in the balance as the government considers the implications of deregulating the prices of mate tea. For the tareferos who rely on the industry for their livelihoods, the stakes are high, and the outcome of these policy changes will have a significant impact on their lives and the future of the mate industry in Argentina’s northeast.
