Controversial fruits: Harvest practices and “gastrogenesis” in the Lower Border of Nahuelbuta, Chile

Abstract

The introduction of monoculture plantations of pine and eucalyptus in the Lower Border of Nahuelbuta, Arauco province, Chile, has transformed the local socio-productive matrix, affected the harvest systems and disrupted the common goods management in the territory. In the frame of a neoliberal state and a very fragmented ecological-political space, this article examines the way many economic and social actors, are disputing the material and symbolic possession of traditional gastronomy and wild fruits. It also explores some of the tensions and frictions derived from their use.