World · Philippines Bureau
Camarines Sur farmer defies skeptics with thriving grape vineyard
Purple Hill Vineyard in Iriga City has become a successful agricultural venture despite initial doubts from the community. The two-hectare farm now cultivates over 30 grape varieties in the mountainous terrain of Barangay Sagrada.
LSN Philippines ·
IRIGA CITY — Rodel Llorente faced considerable skepticism when he first decided to establish a vineyard in the mountains of Barangay Sagrada in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, with local residents insisting that grapevines could never thrive in the area. The 48-year-old farmer pressed ahead with his vision, and seven years later has proven the doubters wrong.
Purple Hill Vineyard now spans two hectares and cultivates more than 30 varieties of grapes on the mountainous terrain. The operation has become a testament to agricultural innovation in the region and demonstrates the viability of specialty crop cultivation in Camarines Sur's unique climate and elevation conditions.
Llorente's success comes as farmers across the Philippines continue to adapt their farming practices in response to changing weather patterns and climate challenges. The achievement of the Purple Hill Vineyard suggests that diversification into specialty crops like grapes may offer viable alternatives for agricultural communities seeking to maximize yields in challenging environments.