Land

Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world, and its enormous territory hosts a considerable variety of landscapes. The diversity of its terrain makes it an agricultural wonder and one of the greatest food producing and exporting countries in the world. As a result, Argentina benefits from having the resources for a very high standard of living. According to Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA); except for coffee, cocoa and strictly tropical fruits; Argentina's farms supply all of the food that its 40 million inhabitants consume. Among its agricultural achievements Argentina is famous for its high quality beef and is the 4th largest world exporter of beef. Argentina is also the world's largest exporter of soy oil and soy flour, and is the 4th largest exporter of soybeans. Other major exports include cereals, edible oils, milk and other dairy products, fruits, and fish. Argentina's gourmet food products derived from such goods as grapes and olives have also been experiencing a steady rise in production, exportation, and popularity.

Viniculture

South America's greatest producer of viniculture and wine is located in The Mendoza Province of Argentina's Cuyo region. This region encompasses a large and varied topography in western Argentina which includes the Western Hemisphere's highest peak, Aconagua, in the Andes Mountains. The arid plains and expansive valleys of the Cuyo region are the perfect landscape for grape cultivation as the soil there is free of organic matter and other contaminants, and there is very little humidity and rainfall- critical influences in determining a favorable crop. The unique and excellent soil quality found in Argentina's vineyards is optimized by its fertilization in an unpolluted environment- allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes. Argentine vineyards are about the same distance from the equator as any significant grape growing region in Europe and California, yet due to its ideal dry climate, diseases that regularly affect vine varieties around the world are rarely found in Argentina. Planted vineyards can range from altitudes of 2,500 to 4,000 ft. above sea level. These perfect altitudes ensure that while the air temperature stays cool, the grapevines receive more solar radiation than those at lower altitudes. The resulting harvest produces grapes with increased water stress, tannin maturity, and higher bud productivity that produces larger yields. Finally, the natural purity that Argentine wines exhibit can also be attributed to the irrigation techniques practiced there, which utilize astonishingly pure runoff water directly from Andean snow and glacial melt. Large populations of city dwellers are located far away; eliminating the potential for common urban environmental pollutants like smog and acid rain, and the constant clear skies and abundant sunshine make for the highest ripeness and yield standards possible.

Olive Oil

Olive cultivation is also one of Mendoza Province's most important industries. Once again, the region's mineral rich and fertile soil, ideal climate, and overall ecological purity create an ideal environment for olive growing. Historically there is a distinct correlation between Argentina's colonization and cultivation of varietal grape vines and olive trees. It is believed that European settlers brought the first cuttings to South America in the 16th century. Despite the fact that both olive and grape cultivation have been an important agricultural staple in Argentina for over 400 years, it is only recently that established wineries across Argentina are addressing the olive business. Varietal olive oils (as opposed to blends) are gaining in reputation and popularity, and are being sold at premium prices. Since the olive season runs coordinately counter to the grape season, a year round harvest is assured. Argentina is South America's principle producer of table olives and olive oil, and end-of-the-year reports for 2007 rank Argentina as the 4th largest olive exporter in the world.