Every February 10th, World Pulses Day is celebrated, a date that serves to raise awareness about the multiple benefits offered by these foods in food security, nutrition, health, climate change, and biodiversity. This year's theme is "Pulses: Nourishing Both People and Soils."

In this context, the company "Cosecha Justa" appears, highlighting the importance of cultivating pulses to promote the diversification of agricultural production systems, which in turn contributes to improving soil health and ensuring the sustainability of agri-food systems.

Founded in 2015 by Denisse Opazo, the national venture arose in response to the paradox of importing pulses when there are local farmers capable of producing them. Observing the progressive decrease in the cultivated area of ​​these types of foods, the company embarked on a journey to drive change.

"We wondered why we didn't have the option to choose between Chilean lentils or Canadian ones, given that there was always availability of imported products. With that concern in mind, we went to the countryside and visited the drylands of the O'Higgins Region and the Maule Region. It was there that we found farmers committed to the production of lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, peas, and other products, and we began to work with them," Opazo explains.

In their first two years, they identified the need for high-quality national grains. In 2018, the company launched certified grains and flours on the market as "Gluten-Free" and "Fair Trade." This initiative not only responded to the growing demand for healthy products but also provided a solution for celiac people who constantly seek this type of food.

The essence of Cosecha Justa goes beyond simple commercial transactions. The company forges long-term relationships with national farmers, ensuring fair prices for their products and providing support in their production processes. Actively promoting gender equality and non-discrimination, they not only offer high-quality food but also collaborate closely with local agricultural communities in their daily development.

In their pursuit of quality, the venture carries out rigorous control of its products, involving the sending of samples to laboratories and analysis, ensuring gluten-free certification and guaranteeing the absence of cross-contamination in their products. But not only that, they have also innovated and, for example, now produce pasta made from pulses such as lentil and chickpea spirals.

On the other hand, they have found a strategic ally in Unimarc's 100% Ours program, an initiative that has supported more than 400 SMEs throughout the country since 2012, promoting products created by Chilean entrepreneurs. The company contributes to the program with innovative and healthy products, enriching supermarket shelves and promoting a diversified and sustainable offering.

"Through the 100% Ours Program, Unimarc seeks to reclaim the value of local products, with the aim of promoting regional economy and providing quality products to our customers. Cosecha Justa's products help us achieve this objective and, moreover, they have sustainable production, a characteristic that our customers increasingly demand," indicates Marcela Salas, Sustainability Manager at SMU.