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This is the center of vegetable production in the Dominican Republic with year round temperatures ranging from 5 to 12 degrees C. This allows production of all types of crops grown in more northern climates. One can expect to find over 40 different crops grown including garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, red beets, cabbage, lettuce, roses, mums, some citrus, and onions. As one enters the valley, the aroma of garlic teases the senses. The fertile soil of the region, mainly a dark brown sandy, well drained soil, provides rich nutrient supply for cultivating a variety of crops. Fertilization is still necessary and is applied in broadcast fashion on most crops. Little mechanization can be found in the valley as manual labor is the method of choice along with a few horses and plows.

The Constanza Valley covers 48,000 tareas, or 3000 hectares, or 1250 acres US equivalent. This equals to about three average farms in the US Midwest. Most of the farmers live in the communities that dot the valley floor and foothills. Most of the farmers walk to the fields which are about 5-10 minutes away. Trucks, cars, and motorcycles are also used to transport workers to the fields. The day starts early, before 6:00 am and does not end till early evening. Most of the farm workers receive about 130 pesos /day. The more qualified like the pesticide applicators received 150 pesos/day. Only the highly qualified persons,like the horse and tractor drivers received as much as 500 pesos per day if they owned the equipment or horses.

Agricultural landscape in the Tireo Valley

Farm manager and his workers

"Echando Dia" Day field workers planting garlic

Planting garlic on the south slope of the valley

Workers taking a break. General view of the valley and Central Mountain Range

Harvesting Potatoes

Planting garlic near La Sabina Community

Poorly constructed peasant homes in Tireo Community

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