Trout farms in Argentina are growing and exporting, but in the Mendoza province, after several attempts, only two are operational. One is in Malargüe and the other is in Tupungato, at Bodega Atamisque.
Estimated weak demand is what primarily drives the relatively small Mendoza trout farm market, especially since competition from much bigger farms, in other parts of Argentina, is a factor.
The biggest trout farm in the country is Alicurá Truchas in Patagonia. Other farms in Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, and Cordoba add to the competition. These farms combined are estimated to produce 200 to 800 metric tons a year.
Cesar Gatica of Cuyama-co, a small trout farm in Malargüe, produces about 8 metric tons a year, equivalent to 30,000 to 35,000 trout.
Historically he has provided markets in the greater metropolitan Mendoza area, but due to current production problems, he is only servicing some restaurants in Malargüe, and markets in San Rafael.
Cuyama-co is situated on a two hectare property 12 kilometers southwest of downtown Malargüe. To help sustain economically, he has diversified his property into a tourist attraction, which also includes hunting, fishing, camping, and cabins, and his own restaurant where they serve trout and other foods he produces.
Translated digest of the article "La cría de truchas no termina de afianzarse" by Diario Los Andes. Photos by Diario Los Andes,
The original article is available at:
http://www.losandes.com.ar/notas/2010/6/5/fincas-494066.asp
