HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COVICA STAFF AND GROWERS 

One of the first projects under the Equality Fairtrade Project is the introduction of a health insurance policy for all COVICA winery workers and growers. 

Already this has yielded benefit for one of the COVICA staff.  The general manager of the co-operative is currently in hospital after a serious traffic accident, when he sustained life threatening injuries and was in a coma for 6 days. Thanks to the health insurance provided by funds raised through the Equality Project, all of his medical costs and his full salary are covered enabling him and his family full peace of mind until he is fully recovered. This health insurance scheme is the same benefit given to ALL winery workers. 
 
 
IMPROVED QUALITY OF GRAPE PRODUCTION 

Through the Equality Fairtrade Project, more workshops have been set up for groups of growers, including a project funded education day for learning about pruning and grape varieties to produce quality grapes for quality wines.  

Sr Luis Mendoza is Head of the department of viticulture at the co-operative.  He, along with his colleagues - Hugo Moya, Cristobal Yañez, Juan Carlos Varas, Juan Aravena, is with responsible for the 240 grower vineyards - insuring the quality of grapes through education and advice.